Three arrested, drugs seized from Lethbridge hotel

Three people have been arrested after allegedly using a Lethbridge hotel suite to traffic methamphetamine and suspected carfentanil.

ALERT’s Lethbridge organized crime team made quick work of the suspected drug traffickers after sharing intelligence with Lethbridge Police Service about drug activity taking place.

The hotel, located in the 1000-block of Mayor Magrath Drive South, was searched on July 12.

Inside the hotel investigators located $10,000 worth of drugs and cash.

The seizure included:

• 85 grams of methamphetamine;

• 2 grams of suspected carfentanil;

• Prohibited weapons, including collapsible batons and brass knuckles; • Drug trafficking paraphernalia;

• Suspected stolen property; and

• $5,075 cash proceeds of crime.

“This investigation is an example of ALERT’s ability to move quickly on information provided by the public and remove harmful drugs from being distributed into our communities,” said Staff Sgt. Jason Walper, ALERT Lethbridge.

The investigation was opened just days before the search warrant was executed.

Bradley Paskiuski, a 33-year-old man from Lethbridge, was charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking (x 3), possession of a dangerous weapon, possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of proceeds of crime, and breach of recognizance (x 4).

Danny Noel, a 36-year-old man from Moncton, N.B., is charged with possession of a controlled substance.

Nicole Wolodchenko, a 31-year-old woman from Shaughnessy, was charged with possession of a controlled substance (x 2).

Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local police, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is always anonymous.

ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime.