The Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) unit of the Alberta Sheriffs obtained a court order against the owner of 94 Eagle Road, giving investigators the authority to close the property for 90 days, starting at 10 a.m. on Nov. 19. 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 Nov. 19, 2026. 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.

This marks the third problem property in Lethbridge, and fifth in southern Alberta, closed by the Lethbridge-based SCAN unit since the team was established one year ago. Overall, SCAN has participated in the closures of 25 properties across the region since 2008.

“The SCAN unit in Lethbridge continues to turn in success after success in their pursuit of safer streets and neighbourhoods. This is the third property closure in Lethbridge since late August, and Albertans are taking note of this progress. I want to say thank you to SCAN and all our law enforcement partners who work tirelessly every day to keep our communities safe. I encourage all Albertans to continue reporting suspicious activity in their area.”

Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services

"In just one year, the new Lethbridge SCAN unit, working with local policing partners like the Lethbridge Police Service, is making a positive impact throughout southern Alberta, delivering results for residents in the communities they serve. All SCAN units in the province are committed to uprooting crime and preserving public safety and stability in our neighbourhoods.”

Michael Dirkson, inspector, SCAN

“The collaboration between the Lethbridge Police Service and SCAN unit continues to make our community safer by targeting criminals who disrupt the peace and security of our neighbourhoods. We encourage our citizens to report problem properties so appropriate enforcement action can be taken and the individuals responsible can be held accountable.”

Shahin Mehdizadeh, chief, Lethbridge Police Service

“On behalf of the City of Lethbridge we thank Minister Ellis and his team for the outstanding work of the local SCAN team in shutting down another dangerous drug house. The local SCAN unit was established only one year ago and is already enforcing its fifth closure. We appreciate the support as we work together to increase public safety in southern Alberta.”

Blaine Hyggen, mayor, City of Lethbridge

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 9,800 properties and issued 129 community safety orders. Most complaints are resolved by working with owners to stop the illegal activity on their property.

Quick facts

  • SCAN received the first complaint regarding drug activity occurring at the property in January 2021. Since then, the property has been linked to more than 80 calls to police.
  • On July 30, 2024, Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) officers attempted a traffic stop of a vehicle that was seen leaving the property. The vehicle failed to stop and fled. After being successfully identified and immobilized the next day by police, a search of the vehicle and occupants resulted in methamphetamine and fentanyl being found.
  • On Sept. 26, 2024, LPS officers stopped a vehicle departing the property. The traffic stop and subsequent roadside sobriety test resulted in the driver being charged for operating the vehicle while being impaired by cocaine, and also found multiple bags of methamphetamine, a shotgun, digital scale, a vial of cocaine and a small bag of fentanyl.
  • On Nov. 5, 2024, SCAN investigators and an Alberta Justice lawyer appeared in the Court of Kings Bench and were successful in their application for a community safety order.
  • The community safety order also imposes additional conditions that will remain in effect until Nov. 19, 2026 – two years after the order was granted.

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 94 Eagle Road in Lethbridge.