Five charged with child endangerment in Lethbridge drug bust

LETHBRIDGE – Search warrants executed in Lethbridge have turned up nearly $100,000 in drugs and cash, also resulting in child endangerment charges against five residents.
 
On May 5, the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) organized crime and drug unit, with help from the Lethbridge Police Service, executed four warrants on vehicles and homes to conclude an investigation that began in late 2016. Officers found more than 100 grams of cocaine, 993 grams of a cocaine cutting agent, $77,000 in cash, two vehicles and a bicycle.
 
Young children were also found to be living in both of the homes that were searched. An ALERT media release notes that Child and Family Services have stepped in to support the investigation.
 
A 33-year old man and 26-year-old woman are both charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and two counts of possession of proceeds of crime. A 28-year-old man is facing charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of the proceeds of crime and possession of a controlled substance.
 
Those three, plus another 19-year-old woman and a 42-year-old man, have all been charged under the drug endangered children act.
 
“Anytime we find children, especially of a young age, in residences where there’s drug trafficking or consumption, it’s a grave concern,” said Staff Sgt. Jason Walper of ALERT Lethbridge. “It’s our responsibility to make sure our communities are safe and children are taken care of.”
 
The names of the accused cannot be released in order to protect the identities of the children involved.