Police seize weapons, drugs and lay numerous charges during targeted enforcement project

Lethbridge Police seized multiple weapons, hundreds of doses of dangerous drugs and arrested dozens of people for open drug use during a targeted enforcement project downtown.

In total, Members of the Downtown Policing Unit, Crime Suppression Team, Property Crimes Unit, High Risk Offenders Unit and SCAN executed 66 warrants, arrested 40 people for open drug use, seized nearly 400 doses of fentanyl and methamphetamine, seized six knives and edged weapons, issued 16 tickets, apprehended one suspended driver and engaged in 13 positive interactions with community members during the day-long project November 6.

The targeted enforcement operation will continue regularly and businesses and visitors in the downtown area can expect to see a heightened police presence on the days the teams are deployed as officers work to actively target high frequency offenders and areas with high volumes of crime. The operation was developed by police as part of the Service’s 2024 Annual Policing Plan, to help increase visibility and capacity in the downtown core. 

Police remind the public to continue reporting all suspicious and criminal activity downtown – or anywhere in the city – by calling 403-328-4444. LPS uses CompStat, a data-driven model where analytics are used to identify high-crime areas, prolific offenders and the most effective deployment of police resources. Knowing what is occurring, where it is happening and how often, helps give police an accurate picture of crime and disorder in the community, and enables more effective deployment of resources and enforcement strategies. 

Some crimes can also be reported online, including theft under $10,000, mischief, theft from vehicles and damage to vehicles. There is also a category for ‘information only’ reports where citizens can report nuisance and non-criminal matters. Visit www.lethbridgepolice.ca and click online reporting.