Edmonton drug and gun trafficking investigation: 4 suspects facing 59 charges
Posted April 28, 2025 4:50 pm.
Last Updated April 28, 2025 4:51 pm.
Edmonton police say four people are in custody and facing 59 charges in connection with a firearms investigation.
EPS says in January, officers began an investigation into a person who they believed was trafficking illicit drugs.
Over the course of their investigation, police identified several others who were also believed to be trafficking drugs and illegal firearms.
On April 9, officers say they executed a search warrant at a home near 157 Street and 104 Avenue and seized the following:
- 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
As a result of the search, four people were taken into custody.
“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.”
Michael Harris, 42, Denise Letendre, 29, Gloria Cardinal, 36, and Theresa Butler, 34, have been charged with a combined 59 charges, including possession of a firearm knowing possession is unauthorized, knowingly possessing a prohibited device or ammunition, and possession for the purpose of trafficking.
