Nearly 800 Fentanyl Pills Seized by ALERT Lethbridge

Lethbridge… A total of 777 fentanyl pills were seized in Lethbridge the past week as the result of two separate investigations by ALERT. A loaded handgun was also seized from a known gang member.

ALERT’s Lethbridge organized crime and gang team made the seizures as part of an effort to limit the supply of fentanyl hitting city streets. ALERT is an integrated team consisting of Lethbridge Police Service and RCMP officers.

On October 13, 2016 ALERT seized 193 fentanyl pills after searching two homes and two vehicles in Lethbridge. In addition to the fentanyl, police seized 24 grams of cocaine, $3,400 cash proceeds of crime, and a loaded Smith and Wesson handgun.

Three people were arrested, including alleged Mad Cowz gang member Corey Amyotte, 29, and associates Ali Zalfo, 22, and Jerry Bull, 33. The three men face a total of 32 charges relating to drugs and firearms offences.

The second fentanyl seizure took place on October 20 when a vehicle stop was conducted in Aldersyde, Alta., which is located approximately 40 kilometres south of Calgary. A total of 584 fentanyl pills were found in a vehicle that police believe was destined for Lethbridge.

William Hatch, 33, and Awet Abraha, 28, were arrested and charged with six drug-related offences.