Downtown drug trafficking case adjourned

By Delon Shurtz - Lethbridge Herald on August 23, 2022.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDdshurtz@lethbridgeherald.com

A 46-year-old Lethbridge man facing a dozen criminal charges following a police drug investigation remains in custody while he and his lawyer discuss a bail plan.

Robert Joseph Zimmer was expected to have a bail hearing last week in Lethbridge provincial court, but during a brief appearance by Calgary lawyer Robin McIntyre, the matter was adjourned to this Thursday to allow time to continue discussions with the Crown prosecutor and for defence to receive disclosure.

Zimmer is charged with four counts of drug possession for the purpose of trafficking, three counts of failure to comply with previous release conditions, two counts of possession of a stolen credit card, and single counts of possession of a prohibited or restricted weapon, possession of stolen property under $5,000, and possession of the proceeds of crime over $5,000.

The charges stem from a short-term drug investigation after police responded to reports of a man trafficking drugs to the vulnerable population downtown. After observing activity consistent with drug trafficking, a suspect was arrested Aug. 9 at a residence in the 500 block of 12 Street North.

Police searched the residence and seized $13,000 worth of drugs, including 58.4 grams of methamphetamine, 45.7 grams of fentanyl, 11.2 grams of cocaine, 26 codeine pills, and a quantity of unknown pills. Police also found more than $17,000 cash, knives, bear spray, pellet guns and ammunition, and stolen property, including power tools and credit cards.

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