Lethbridge records largest fentanyl seizure in city’s history

Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams logo. (ALERT)

A fentanyl seizure in Lethbridge earlier this month is the largest the city has ever seen, according to the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT).

ALERT says officers found 2.25 kilograms of the drug inside a home in the Victoria Park neighbourhood, near a middle school and the Chinook Regional Hospital.

The seizure was made on March 19.

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ALERT says the estimated street value of the fentanyl – which represents roughly 22,000 doses – is $450,000.

Officers also seized more than $8,000 cash and 14 cartons of contraband cigarettes.

“Fentanyl remains a top priority for ALERT,” said Staff Sgt. Trevor Sheppard in a Tuesday news release.

“A record seizure like this showcases our commitment to public safety and we will continue to aggressively target offenders who poison our community.”

Sherry Hopkins, 49, is facing multiple charges.

Police say the accused was previously arrested in connection with other “major drug seizures” in Lethbridge.

Hopkins remains in police custody. Her next court appearance scheduled for April 23.

What was the largest fentanyl seizure before this?

ALERT says it was in December 2022 when 1.6 kilograms of fentanyl was found while searching two homes and two vehicles.

The man convicted in that case was sentenced to 12 years in prison.