3 men charged in crime spree spanning Alberta, Saskatchewan

Three people are facing charges after Lethbridge police recovered more than $100,000 worth of fentanyl, oxycodone and other prescription narcotics through an ongoing investigation, in addition to $60,000 worth of stolen property.

The investigation began on Aug. 30, after police responded to a break and enter in the 700 block of 13 Street South.

“Further investigation determined the home was being used to stash stolen property,” Lethbridge police said in a Thursday news release.

A search warrant was executed at the home, at which time police said two stolen rifles were recovered, along with an assortment of other stolen property.

Officers took two men, an 18-year-old and a 19-year-old, into custody.

Investigators said a third man, age 35, managed to leave the city in a stolen vehicle. However, he was taken into custody on Sept. 13 after being located in the 1300 block of 13 Avenue North. According to police, a stolen shotgun was found inside the vehicle he had been driving, which was also stolen.

A search of a second residence was conducted; inside, police located seven rifles, stolen property and a significant quantity of narcotics – roughly 8,000 pills – including fentanyl and oxycodone.

“Investigators determined the narcotics had been stolen during a break and enter at a pharmacy in Saskatchewan,” police said. “Other stolen property, including some of the firearms, have been sourced back to break and enters in several communities throughout Alberta and Saskatchewan.

James Maxwell Andrew Moczo, 35, is charged with several offences including unauthorized possession of a firearm and possession of stolen property over $5,000.

Draye Storm Sterba, 18, is charged with several offences including unauthorized possession of a firearm and possession of property obtained by crime.

Derek Edward Schalk, 19, is charged with several offences including theft of a motor vehicle, possession of property obtained by crime and unauthorized possession of a firearm.