A major organized crime investigation in Southern Alberta has led to the arrest of nine suspects, the seizure of significant quantities of drugs and cash, and the restraint of more than $2.5 million in assets allegedly linked to drug trafficking and money laundering.Dubbed Project Leadline, the two-year investigation was led by ALERT Lethbridge with support from the Taber Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, and the RCMP. Police say the operation dismantled an extensive drug trafficking network with ties to organized crime and illicit financial activity.ALERT searched three homes in Taber on April 29, and made arrests shortly after. Nine individuals face a total of 63 charges, including drug trafficking, participation in a criminal organization, conspiracy, and money laundering. Four of the suspects have been arrested while warrants have been issued for the remaining five.Investigators also targeted the group’s financial operations. Seven properties and eight bank accounts believed to be tied to criminal proceeds were criminally restrained, including homes in Lethbridge and Coalhurst. The total value of the restrained assets is estimated at more than $2.5 million.In total, Project Leadline resulted in the seizure of more than $500,000 in drugs and cash, including:5,088 grams of cocaine1,132 grams of a suspected cocaine cutting agent22 grams of fentanyl253 grams of methamphetamine500 methamphetamine pills1,000 millilitres of GHB$91,941 in cashTwo firearmsThose arrested are:Duc Vo, 47, of LethbridgeNga (Linda) Vo, 45, of LethbridgeChantal Bareman, 40, of TaberRyden Melhalf, 20, of TaberArrest warrants have been issued for:Johan Braun-Suderman, 38, of TaberKade Phillips, 36, of TaberGerhard Wolf, 38, of TaberMalachy Young, 23, of TaberA 19-year-old charged as a young offenderProject Leadline began in April 2023 and involved collaboration with multiple law enforcement and financial crime agencies, including the Calgary Police Service, Canada Border Services Agency, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, and others.Police are asking anyone with information about the suspects to contact law enforcement or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
