The Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) unit of the Alberta Sheriffs obtained a court order against the owner of 4518 28 Avenue S, giving investigators the authority to close the property for 90 days, starting at 10 a.m. on Sept. 4. Any tenancy agreement or lease is terminated effective that date, requiring the owner and all tenants to vacate the premises.

The community safety order, obtained in the Court of King’s Bench, bars people from the property until the closure period ends on Dec. 3. The property will be boarded up, fenced and all the locks will be changed. SCAN members will continue to monitor the property for activity while their investigation remains ongoing.

SCAN continues to have a significant impact on the safety of Alberta communities, having closed seven properties in Lethbridge, Calgary, Spruce Grove and Medicine Hat in the last four months alone.

“Since being created less than a year ago, the SCAN unit’s Lethbridge team has already made its presence well known. With the team’s second closure in the city inside of two weeks, I would like to take this opportunity to thank SCAN and all our law enforcement partners who work tirelessly every day to keep our communities safe. I would also like to encourage all Albertans to report any suspicious activity to the SCAN unit.”

Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services

"Shutting down problem properties like this helps to eliminate illegal activity in our province. SCAN, in collaboration with law enforcement partners like the Lethbridge Police Service, will continue to use every tool at its disposal to keep Alberta communities safe.”

Greg Medley, deputy chief, Alberta Sheriffs

“Creating a safer environment for our citizens improves the overall quality of our community. SCAN does great work shutting down problem properties where illegal activities are taking place. We’re really thankful for their efforts and we look forward to continuing to work with them to ensure the safety and well-being of our residents.”

Shahin Mehdizadeh, chief, Lethbridge Police Service

The Alberta Sheriffs work with other law enforcement agencies to shut down properties being used for illegal activities. The SCAN unit operates under the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act, which uses legal sanctions and court orders to hold owners accountable for illegal activity happening on their property.

Since its inception in 2008, Alberta’s SCAN unit has investigated more than 9,000 properties and issued 126 community safety orders. Most complaints are resolved by working with owners to stop the illegal activity on their property.

Quick facts

  • On June 20, 2022, SCAN received the first of 13 complaints regarding drug activity occurring at the property.
  • On June 6, 2024, Lethbridge police executed a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) search warrant at the property. Results of the warrant included about 81 grams of yellow and red fentanyl, three stolen motorcycles and other stolen property.
  • On July 31, 2024, the RCMP executed a stolen property warrant at the property. Results of the warrant included small amounts of methamphetamine, two smoke hand grenades and a loaded rifle.
  • On Aug. 21, 2024, SCAN investigators and an Alberta Justice lawyer appeared in the Court of King’s Bench and were granted a community safety order to close the property for 90 days beginning on Sept. 4.
  • The community safety order also imposes additional conditions that will remain in effect until Aug. 21, 2026 – two years after the order was granted. The owner will be required to prevent further drug-related activities from taking place at the property.

Related information

Related news

MEDIA AVAILABILITY: Insp. Michael Dirkson of SCAN and a Lethbridge Police Service representative will be available between 11:30 a.m. and noon for on-camera interviews at 4518 28 Avenue S in Lethbridge.