The Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) says officers were executing a search warrant for drugs at a home in the 800 block of 16 Street S. on Thursday afternoon when they found “concerning” packages and the Explosives Disposal Unit was brought in to investigate.
Members of the unit could be seen carrying out boxes of the “hazardous” items that were found.
On Friday, police confirmed the items found at the home were “improvised explosive devices.”
“We called in our explosives disposal team to do some further examinations,” said Sgt. Rod Pastoor with LPS’ Crime Suppression Team.
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Police said the Explosives Disposal Unit was able to “render two suspicious items and several others were safely transported from the scene.” Police also said five people were arrested.
Of the five people that were arrested on Thursday, three have been charged.
Police said Friday that the house had been the subject of a drug-trafficking investigation for several months. Stolen property, drugs and cash were also seized at the house.
A news release sent out by LPS Friday afternoon outlined who was charged and with what offences.
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“Shaun Ryan Hlavach of Lethbridge faces several charges including: three counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000, 12 counts of possessing a prohibited weapon, two counts of knowingly possessing a prohibited weapon, two counts of unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon, seven counts of possession of an explosive substance, two counts of possession of stolen property and three counts of possession of identity documents. Hlavach’s bail hearing was held and adjourned for Sept. 28, 2020,” the news release said.
“Allyson Lauren Deal of Lethbridge was charged with three counts of possession of a controlled substance and unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon. Her next court appearance is set for Nov. 6, 2020.
“Jocko Slade Trotter of Lethbridge was charged with failing to comply with a release order. His next court appearance is set for Nov. 24, 2020.”
Neighbours told Global News they had previously expressed concerns about the ongoing suspicious activities at the residence.
“There were several tips and the neighbours have had to put up with a lot, and they were patient with us until we could finally come to conclude it for them … hopefully,” Pastoor said.
Some nearby homes were evacuated as a precaution, but neighbours were later told they could return to their homes.
Just before 1 a.m. Friday, police said the investigation at the site had concluded. The overall investigation continues.
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