Woman facing drug charges expected to turn herself in before next court appearance

By Lethbridge Herald on September 1, 2023.

Delon Shurtz – LETHBRIDGE HERALD – dshurtz@lethbridgeherald.com

A Lethbridge woman who went AWOL after she was arrested following a drug bust earlier in the year, is expected to turn herself in to the police.

Kristina Lucille Zinger was scheduled to be in Lethbridge court of justice Thursday, however court was told the accused is in B.C., but plans to return to Lethbridge so she can attend her next court hearing. 

An agent for Zinger’s lawyer explained an arrest warrant was issued for the accused about three weeks ago after contact was lost, but there has since been contact and arrangements made for her to return to Lethbridge.

Justice Erin Olsen advised Zinger that before she attends court to turn herself in to police when she arrives in Lethbridge so they can execute the arrest warrant.

Zinger is one of four people charged with criminal offences following a police investigation that netted more than $40,000 worth of drugs.

On May 3, 2023 the Alberta Sheriffs Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) unit was conducting an investigation in the city when they observed people engaged in drug trafficking. Members of the LPS downtown policing unit, K9 and patrols arrested three men and one woman in the area of Stafford Drive and St. Edwards Boulevard North.

During a search of the individuals and their vehicles, police seized about 222 grams of fentanyl – 2,220 doses – 46 grams of methamphetamine, 26 grams of cocaine, $7,000 in cash and an SUV worth $30,000. The total street value of the drugs is just over $42,100.

Zinger, 40, is charged with three counts of drug possession for the purpose of trafficking and one count of possession of the proceeds of crime. Her next court hearing is scheduled for Sept. 7.

Dylan Ivan Sokol, 27, of Lethbridge, is charged with three counts of drug possession for the purpose of trafficking and one count of possession of the proceeds of crime. Sokol’s matter was also in court Thursday, and his matters were adjourned to Sept. 21. Two other Lethbridge residents, Robert Ambrus, 30, and Tyler Jeffrey Seppola, 37, are also charged in relation to the drug bust.