By Lethbridge Herald on March 14, 2020.
Lethbridge Herald
Lethbridge Police have laid charges to several people in connection
with a dial-a-dope operation.
In March, members of the Crime Suppression Team began a joint
investigation with the Alberta Sheriffs Safer Communities and
Neighbourhoods Unit (SCAN) into alleged drug trafficking activity at a
northside home, police officials said in a news release Friday.
During the investigation, police observed the occupant operating an
alleged dial-a-dope operation out of a vehicle associated to the
residence.
On Wednesday, a search warrant was obtained for the home and vehicle.
Police intercepted the vehicle after it met a second vehicle in a
northside parking lot and engaged in a transaction, LPS said.
The driver of the first vehicle was found in possession of 16 cartons
of non-duty paid cigarettes and more than $1,500 cash. She was
arrested along with a female passenger. The driver of the second
vehicle was found in possession of more than $500 cash received from
the purchase of the cigarettes, police said.
A search of the vehicle resulted in the further seizure of
methamphetamine, various narcotic pills including hydromorph contin,
morphine and codeine and a cellphone. During the search of the home
along Stafford Road North police seized methamphetamine, fentanyl,
psilocybin, various pills in containers, buffing agent, bear spray and
drug paraphernalia.
Cindy Ann Androkovich, 45, of Lethbridge, is charged with five counts
of possession for the purpose of trafficking, five counts of failing
to comply with release order conditions, two counts of possession of a
controlled substance, possession of a prohibited weapon, unauthorized
possession of a prohibited/restricted weapon, knowingly possessing a
prohibited/restricted weapon, possession of break in instruments,
possession of the proceeds of crime and under the Tobacco Tax Act
possession of less than 2,000 cigarettes/grams of tobacco.
Androkovich was released by a Justice of the Peace on conditions and
is scheduled to appear in court April 16.
Kamal Marie Oka, 48, of Lethbridge, is charged with possession of a
controlled substance and was also found to have outstanding warrants.
Oka was released to appear in court April 23.
Crystal Ann-Marie Shaw, 36, of Barons, is charged under the Tobacco
Act with selling/offering sale less than 1,000 cigarettes/grams of
tobacco. She was released to appear in court May 5.