Police charge Lethbridge man after drug trafficking investigation

Police have charged a Lethbridge man and seized drugs, money and weapons following a drug trafficking investigation.

An investigation was initiated by the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) in partnership with Lethbridge Police. Investigators witnessed the subject engaging in behaviour consistent with drug trafficking and he was arrested without incident on Jan. 21, 2022.

A search warrant was subsequently executed at his residence in the 1300 block of 23 Avenue North, resulting in the seizure of drugs with a street value in excess of $20,000, including: 60.2 grams of cocaine; 57 grams of fentanyl; 56 codeine tablets; and 1.4 grams MDMA  (Ecstasy). Also seized was paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking, more than $2,900 in cash and a conducted energy weapon (Taser).

Oliver Malisi, 33, is charged with: two counts of possession for the purposes of trafficking; two counts of possession of a controlled substance; possession of the proceeds of crime under $5,000; possession of a prohibited weapon; and possession of a prohibited weapon when prohibited by an order. 

Following a Judicial Interim Release hearing, Malisi was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court Feb. 24, 2022.

ALERT is an important partner and conducts targeted investigations related to drug trafficking, gangs and firearm offences in the Lethbridge area. It was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime.

To report suspected criminal activity call police at 403-328-4444 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers is always anonymous.

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