Lethbridge Police Service executed 128 outstanding arrest warrants and laid 10 criminal charges during a targeted enforcement project on September 8, 2026. The operation focused on the downtown core and surrounding areas, including 2 Avenue A North, and was carried out in partnership with the Alberta Sheriffs’ Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) Unit.
During the project, a SCAN officer observed Brian Robert James, 46, of Barons, engaged in suspected drug trafficking activity behind a downtown business. Police confirmed the activity was related to drug trafficking, leading to charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of the proceeds of crime. James was also wanted on an outstanding warrant for breach of probation. Following a Judicial Interim Release hearing, James was remanded into custody and scheduled to appear in court September 10.
Nearly 30 incidents of open drug use were addressed during the operation, and multiple weapons were seized from tents, including bear spray and knives. More than 15 interactions with community members and businesses occurred. This operation is part of an ongoing initiative aimed at enhancing public safety through a balanced approach combining enforcement, outreach, and collaboration with community partners.
The SCAN unit, which has been operating in Lethbridge since November 2023 with six investigators, targets properties used for illegal activities such as drug trafficking. Lethbridge Police Service uses CompStat, a data-driven policing model, to analyze crime trends and identify high-risk areas for targeted enforcement.
Residents may see increased police presence in targeted areas as the project continues. The operation reflects the service’s commitment to addressing crime and social disorder in the downtown core through proactive enforcement and community engagement.
