Accused charged with multiple drug offences makes first appearance

By Delon Shurtz - Lethbridge Herald on August 27, 2022.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDdshurtz@lethbridgeherald.com

A 33-year-old Lethbridge man facing multiple charges following a traffic stop in July had his matters briefly addressed Friday for the first time in Lethbridge provincial court.

Lethbridge lawyer Claudia Connolly appeared on behalf of the accused, Warren Shane McMurtrie, but simply adjourned the case for a month.

On July 12, 2022 police observed a vehicle with a stolen licence plate which had failed to stop for police the previous day. Police followed the vehicle and at about 7:30 p.m. they blocked the vehicle and prevented it from fleeing after it had stopped in the 200 block of Mayor Magrath Drive North. The driver had to be forcibly removed from the vehicle after he refused to exit.

During a search of the vehicle and driver police seized $8,600 worth of drugs, including 50.7 grams of methamphetamine, 24.4 grams of cocaine, 5.1 grams of fentanyl, and 108 various pills. They also seized drug paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking, $1,770 in cash and an axe found within reach of the driver.

Warren Shane McMurtrie is charged with multiple counts of drug possession for the purpose of trafficking, three counts of possession of stolen property under $5,000, possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace, two counts of driving while prohibited, dangerous driving, and flight from a peace officer.

McMurtrie, who was released from custody shortly after his arrest, is scheduled to return to court Sept. 22.

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