Tipster turns Lethbridge Police Service on to its biggest-ever fentanyl bust

Lethbridge police headquarters is shown in Lethbridge on March 10, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Rossiter

Lethbridge police made their largest fentanyl seizure to date earlier this week.

According to the local police service, 1,172 grams, or $372,000 worth, of the drug can no longer be illicitly sold.

And police say that’s due to the keen eye of a citizen.

Suspected trafficking activity was reported in downtown Lethbridge on June 11 around 2 p.m.

A man and woman were arrested by responding officers, and drugs as well as other items were seized from a vehicle searched during the arrest.

The seizure included:

• A sawed-off shotgun;
• Approximately 1,137 grams of fentanyl;
• 120 grams of cocaine;
• 58 grams of methamphetamine;
• Nearly $10,000 proceeds of crime.

Police also say they seized 35 grams of fentanyl, 29 grams of methamphetamine, several knives and a baton from the man.

Police are calling this a big win.

“This is the single largest seizure of fentanyl we’ve had in the city, and it’s all because a citizen observed suspicious activity and called it in,” said Sgt. Ryan Darroch.

“The quantity seized is worth more than $350,000 and equates to just over 11,700 street doses that will no longer reach our vulnerable population.”

Both the man and the woman now face a number of charges.

Sherry Lynn Hopkins, 48, of Lethbridge, is charged with the following:

• Six counts of failing to comply with a release order;
• Three counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking;
• Knowingly possessing an unauthorized firearm;
• Obstructing a peace officer;
• Use of a firearm while committing an offence;
• Possession of a prohibited firearm;
• Possession of stolen property;
• Possession of the proceeds of crime; and
• Fraudulent personation to avoid arrest.

She also had outstanding warrants at the time of her arrest.

Mark Edward Tanguay, 48, of Lethbridge, is charged with the following:

• Two counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking; and
• Carrying a concealed weapon.

Hopkins appeared in front of a judge in Lethbridge on Friday and remains in custody.

Tanguay was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 7.

Police encourage anyone who observes suspicious activity to call them right away at 403-328-4444.