In January 2025, West Branch Patrol officers initiated an investigation into one individual suspected of the trafficking and possession of illicit drugs. Throughout their investigation, police identified several other individuals who were also suspected of trafficking and possessing drugs as well as illegal firearms.
On April 9, 2025, Patrol officers along with the assistance of the Special Project Team and the Tactical Unit executed a search warrant at a residence in the area of 157 Street and 104 Avenue. At that time, police seized drugs with a street value of more than $6,500, as well as several illegal firearms. The seizure included:
- One semi-automatic rifle, equipped with a scope and a fully loaded extended magazine
- One sawed-off rifle with a fully loaded extended magazine
- 105 rounds of ammunition
- Over 110 grams of hash with an estimated street value of nearly $2,000
- Over 130 grams of GHB with an estimated street value of nearly $100
- Over 52 grams of cocaine with an estimated street value of over $3,000
- Nearly 40 grams of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of over $1,500
- Several scales and various drug paraphernalia
Picture of seized firearm
Picture of seized firearm
Michael Harris, 42, Denise Letendre, 29, Gloria Cardinal, 36, and Theresa Butler, 34, were arrested and charged with criminal drug and weapons-related offences and face numerous charges for lifetime firearms prohibitions. In total, 59 charges were laid against the four individuals including possession of a firearm knowing possession unauthorized, knowingly possess prohibited device or ammunition and possession for the purpose of trafficking.
“Working with the EPS’ Special Project Team and Tactical Unit, West Branch was able to successfully arrest four individuals with illegal weapons who were previously issued lifetime firearms prohibitions,” says Cst. David Lehman with the EPS’ West Branch. “The removal of these illegal drugs and weapons off our streets is a step in the right direction as the Edmonton Police Service continues to tackle serious crimes like drug trafficking.”