Nearly $20,000 in drugs, cash seized after suspected drug dealer arrested

LETHBRIDGE – A short-term investigation by the Alberta Lethbridge Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) has led to charges against a suspected Lethbridge drug dealer.

ALERT’s organized crime and gang team arrested Curtis Larko, 41, on May 19 following an appearance at a south side restaurant.

A search warrant was executed at the home of Larko, in the 1500 block of St. Francis Road North, following the arrest. Fentanyl, cocaine and a double-barrel shotgun were among the items seized.

As result of the search, nearly $20,000 dollars worth of drugs and cash were seized, including:

• Double-barrel shotgun;
• 14 shotgun shells;
• 98 fentanyl pills;
• 5 grams of cocaine;
• 37 grams of methamphetamine;
• 20 morphine pills;
• 74 grams of marijuana;
• 7 tabs of suspected LSD;
• Packaging, scales, and other drug trafficking paraphernalia.

ALERT opened the investigation after receiving information suggesting Larko was involved in drug trafficking in the Lethbridge area. Larko currently faces 12 charges in relation to the arrest:

• one charge each for possession for the purpose of trafficking methamphetamine, fentanyl and morphine;
• one charge each for possession of marijuana and cocaine;
• possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000.00;
• careless storage of a firearm;
• possession of a weapon dangerous to the public;
• two charges of possession of a firearm without a license;
• possession of a firearm obtained through the commission of an offence and
• possession of a firearm while prohibited.

Larko’s court appearance is scheduled for June 2.

Members of the public who suspect any drug or gang activity in the community can report it to the local police, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).