ARTICLES

Following a series of search warrants in southeast Alberta, ALERT has seized nearly $65,000 worth of drugs and two 3D-printed handguns. Multiple homes in Brooks, Alta. were searched.

On October 4, 2023 ALERT’s Medicine Hat organized crime team searched six homes in Brooks, along with the assistance of Brooks RCMP and the Medicine Hat Police Service. The homes were searched as part of a lengthy drug trafficking and firearms investigation that remains ongoing.

The drugs seized have an estimated street value of $65,000 and included:

• 762 grams of methamphetamine;

• 742 grams of cocaine;

• 159 grams of crack cocaine;

• Illicit prescription pills; and

• $2,000 cash.

Two handguns were also seized that were affixed with 3D-printed receivers, which are illegal in Canada. Further ballistics and firearms testing on the handguns is being completed by the Provincial Firearms Solutions Lab.

3D printed firearms, also known as privately made firearms (PMFs) or ghost guns, are coveted by organized crime because they can be illegally acquired without a firearms license, do not have serials numbers, and are difficult to trace.

According to the Provincial Firearms Solutions Lab, they have received and examined 52 3D-printed firearms in 2023. The Lab handles the majority of firearms examinations in the province and was created in partnership between the Alberta Government, ALERT, and the Edmonton Police Service.

ALERT also seized two vehicles as offence related property and will explore options with the province’s civil forfeiture office.

The investigation dates back to April 2023 when ALERT and Brooks RCMP identified an increase in drug trafficking activity in the region. The investigation utilized to a number of specialized techniques and resources to disrupt the drug market.

Several suspects have been identified, but no one was been formally charged as of yet. The investigation remains ongoing as investigators are preparing reports and disclosure for Crown Counsel.

Media inquiries may be directed to:

Mike Tucker
Communications Director
Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT)
Ph: 780-509-3015

The Medicine Hat Police Service and Redcliff Bylaw Services will be conducting an over dimensional load escort on Monday, December 11, 2023, starting at 1:00 PM. The load will be travelling from Bromley Mechanical (925 23 St SW) in the SW Industrial area to Highway #1 westbound. Traffic will be affected on Highway #1 and in the SW industrial Area due to counterflowing of the over dimensional load. Please avoid these areas if possible and arrange to take alternate routes, please be patient and follow all police/bylaw/pilot vehicle directions.

On December 7 at approximately 7:00 PM members of the Medicine Hat Police Service responded to a report of a suspicious person possibly armed with a pistol in the 100 block of South Railway Street.

When officers arrived on scene, they located a man matching the description provided. The man was non-compliant with directions provided by police, however, was taken safely into custody on North Railway Street. Following the arrest officers located an air pistol and the man was charged with one count of possessing a weapon dangerous to public peace.

The holiday season is a time to celebrate with colleagues, family and friends, and the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) would like to remind those who will be driving to those celebrations to plan ahead to ensure a safe ride home. Throughout the month, drivers can expect increased officer presence as check stops are conducted to promote safe roads.

Some of the check stops will be advertised, including one held this weekend on December 9, 2023, and one on December 15, 2023, while others will not. Check stops will be conducted at various times through the day.

Drivers are also reminded that in December of 2018 new impaired driving legislation came into effect, including the introduction of Mandatory Alcohol Screening (MAS). When entering a check stop drivers will be required to provide a sample of breath. The MAS breath testing process is quick to complete. The device provides an immediate reading and drivers that pass will continue on their way without undue inconvenience. The goal is to provide minimal disruption to motorists while enhancing the safety of our roadways.

1. 2022, the MHPS charged 376 drivers under the Immediate Roadside Sanction Program (IRS). As of December 7, 2023, 330 drivers have been charged under the Immediate Roadside Sanction Program.

Every death and injury caused by impaired driving is preventable. We all have a responsibility when it comes to preventing drinking and driving. If you suspect someone of driving under the influence, please call 9-1-1.

There are many options and no excuses for driving impaired. Drive safe Medicine Hat!

Media Contact:

A/Sgt. David Smith
Traffic Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8471

UPDATE 6 PM:  The Trans Canada Highway has reopened for all traffic eastbound at 6th Street SW. Thank you for your patience and cooperation!

Please be advised the MHPS are currently on the scene of an injury motor vehicle collision on the Trans Canada Highway at 6 Street SW. All east bound traffic is being diverted onto 1 Street SW until further notice. Please avoid the area if possible until further notice

Following an investigation completed by members of the Medicine Hat ALERT Regional Property Crime Unit (RPCU), a man and woman from Medicine Hat have been charged with several offences in connection to stolen property.

The investigation was initiated in early November, and on November 21^st and 22^nd, with the assistance of Medicine Hat Police Service, led to the discovery of a stolen vehicle parked in the Southwest area of Medicine Hat. Justin Castor aged 24, was observed operating the stolen vehicle and safely apprehended.

A short time later, Teegan Austin, aged 21, was located and arrested for the possession of stolen property. Following these apprehensions, a search warrant was executed at a residence in the 300 block of 4 Street NW, resulting in the seizure of items associated to numerous break-ins and thefts in Medicine Hat, Cypress County, and the Elkwater area. Some of these investigations are still ongoing and efforts are being made to return the stolen property to the rightful owners.

The following items were recovered because of this investigation:

• 2006 Ram 3500 truck
• Custom cowboy chaps, rope & western gear
• Multiple pieces of stolen identification
• Assorted tools
• A rural crime watch road sign

Justin Castor was charged with the following:

• Possession of Stolen Property Over $5,000
• Possession of Stolen Property Under $5,000 x 3
• Flight from Police

Teegan Austin was charged with the following:

• Possession of Stolen Property Over $5,000
• Possession of Stolen Property Under $5,000 x 3
• Possess Identity Documents x 4
• Fail to Comply with Release Order

Following a Judicial Interim Release hearing Castor was held in custody and Austin was released subject to conditions. Both are scheduled to appear in court on December 12, 2023.

MH ALERT would like to thank our policing partners for their contributions including members of the Medicine Hat Police Service Patrol Section and members of the Redcliff RCMP Detachment.

Media Contact:
S/Sgt. Ryan Thorburn
Organized Crime Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8425

The Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) is seeking public assistance to locate a dangerous driver.

Between December 4 and 5, 2023, MHPS has received multiple complaints of a person on a dirt bike, with no plate attached, driving aggressively in the areas of Dunmore Road, Vista Heights, Carry Drive and Downtown. Police observed the bike at one point and attempted to complete a vehicle stop, however the driver refused to stop and fled in a dangerous manner.

The driver is described as having a slim build, wearing a black dirt bike helmet and goggles, and a black jacket with neon green sleeves. The dirt bike may possibly be orange and white in colour.

Police are seeking public assistance in identifying the operator of this dirt bike. Anyone who has seen this dirt bike is asked to check dashcam footage and report any recordings to police. If you know the identity of the person involved or have any other information that may help lead police to the identity of the driver, please call 403-529-8481 to report.

Media Contact

S/Sgt. Humphries

Patrol Staff Sergeant

403.529.8461

Samantha Johnson, who had been previously reported as missing, has been located and is safe.

No further information will be released by the Medicine Hat Police Service. The police service would like to thank those people who shared the post. The incoming tips as a result of social media, assisted the police service in bringing this investigation to a successful conclusion.

Mischief to Vehicle- 500 Block 1 Street SE

Between 9:00 AM and noon on November 22, 2023, an unknown person caused damage to a white Dodge Ram truck while it was parked in the 500 block of 1st Street SE. Damage was caused to the paint and windows of the truck and is estimated at $2,000.

Anyone with information that could aid the investigation is asked to contact the MHPS at 403-529-8481. Tips may also be submitted via the MHPS website (mhps.ca) or mobile app. The MHPS app is free to download and available for both Apple and Android devices.

Media Contact:

Cst. Lisa Gervais
Downtown Patrol Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-458-0809

On November 28, 2023, the Medicine Hat Police Service received multiple reports of a “Grandparent Scam” operating in our community.

In this scenario, a grandparent receives a phone call from a con artist pretending to be their grandchildren. The caller will sometime say that they are in trouble, usually a car accident, returning from a foreign country, or even in jail and need money immediately.

As a result of these reports, the MHPS Criminal Investigation Section and the Patrol Section, identified and arrested Ashley Gackle, 46-years-old, from Medicine Hat, AB. Gackle was charged with the following;

• Theft Over $5000 x 2
• Fraud Over $5000 x 2
• Breach of Release Order
• Breach of Conditional Sentence Order

Gackle was held for a Judicial Interim Release Hearing and remanded into custody pending his next court appearance scheduled for November 30, 2023.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone who was impacted by this scam is asked to contact the MHPS by calling 403-529-8481.

Media Contact:

S/Sgt. Jason Graham
Criminal Investigation Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8421