ARTICLES

ALERT has seized nearly two kilograms of methamphetamine as part of a major drug seizure in Medicine Hat. The meth seizure is believed to be the city’s largest.

ALERT’s Medicine Hat organized crime team seized 1.9 kilograms of meth from a home the South Flats area. The record seizure was realized on November 5, 2021, after four search warrants were executed, bringing the two-month investigation to a close.

One person has been charged, while additional arrests are anticipated. Medicine Hat Police Service provided assistance on the investigation.

“Disrupting the meth trade has been a priority for ALERT over the past several years. Together, with our partners in Medicine Hat Police and RCMP, we have taken significant quantities of meth off the street and arrested more than 100 suspected dealers since 2018,” said Inspector Sean Boser, ALERT Regional teams.

“The presence of methamphetamine is not only harmful to drug users, but also negatively impacts the overall health and safety of all citizens of Medicine Hat. Police agencies are committed to working together to disrupt drug trafficking networks and keep the community safe,” said Inspector Brent Secondiak, MHPS.

The value of the seizure is estimated at $235,000, and included:

• 1,900 grams of meth;

• 59 grams of fentanyl;

• 15 grams of cocaine;

• 55 tabs of LSD;

• 2.5 grams of MDMA;

• 900 milliliters of GHB;

• 7 grams of psilocybin mushrooms; and

• $100,610 cash.

A firearm was also seized and will be submitted for forensic analysis.

Robert Pegoraro, 24, was charged with possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking, possession of proceeds of crime, and several firearms-related offences.

The 1.9 kilogram meth seizure eclipses what was thought to be Medicine Hat’s previous largest seizure of 1.7 kilograms that was realized in April 2020. ALERT Medicine Hat also seized 1.13 kilograms in July 2019 and 1.02 kilograms in December 2017.

In 2021, ALERT teams from across the province combined to seize more than 57 kilograms of meth.

Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local police or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is always anonymous.

Media Contact:

S/Sgt Kelsey Fraser
Organized Crime Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8425

In June 2021, the Disclosure to Protect Against Domestic Violence Act, commonly referred to as Clare’s Law came into effect in Alberta. The legislation outlines access to information that allows people to make informed choices about potentially harmful intimate partner relationships and is an important tool in protecting Albertans from domestic violence.

It identifies an individual’s right to ask for information regarding their current or former intimate partner’s potential risk for domestic violence. A person can also apply on behalf of someone else if they have their consent, are a legal guardian of the applicant, or have legal authority of the person. Applicants must provide a reason for why they are asking for information.

In addition, it allows police officers to apply, through the Right to Know process, to proactively provide relevant information to an individual if they have reason to suspect intimate partner violence is likely to occur. Information that may lead to a Right to Know request may come from a variety of sources, such as other investigative actions and anonymous reporting. The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) Act allows police to disclose information under circumstances of imminent risk.

For Clare’s Law purposes, domestic violence is the actual or threatened use of force in an intimate partner relationship that may include a single act or a number of acts of violence, which could include: physical, sexual, emotional, or psychological abuse; criminal harassment (like stalking); threats to harm children, other family members or pets; property damage; and exerting control over movements, communications or finances.

To be eligible for Clare’s Law a person must:

• live in Alberta

• be in an intimate partner relationship

• have a reason for applying which details why you feel at risk

• have met the person they have requested information about

• be willing to talk to, and meet with police to receive disclosure information

The Clare’s Law process consists of three steps:

1. Initiation and validation of the application
2. Risk assessment
3. Providing the disclosure

There is no cost to apply. Once an application and all information has been confirmed, the Alberta government will confirm if the application is eligible under Clare’s Law.

For more information or to complete an application visit: Alberta.ca/ClaresLaw

Finlay Bridge is now open, we thank you for your patience.

We are currently at the scene of a motor vehicle collision on Finlay Bridge.  We are asking that motorists avoid the area until further notice.

The roadway is now open for traffic.  Thank you for your patience.

Emergency services personnel have responded to a Motor Vehicle Collision on Dunmore Road near the Trans Canada Highway.  The southbound lanes of Dunmore Road from Ross Glen Drive to the TC Highway have been temporairly closed.  Please plan an alternative route.  

The Medicine Hat Police continue to investigate the high risk incident that occurred in the 300 block of 7th St SW in Medicine Hat on the early morning hours of November 11, 2021. The parties involved in this incident were known to each other and there is no ongoing risk to the community.

Police have issued arrest warrants for,

• Jeremiah Amero (31) for aggravated assault and numerous weapons offences.

• Chad Richard Lentz (42) for aggravated assault.

Police are also looking to locate a 2014 black Mercedes GLK with Alberta licence CJF5736 which is believe to be involved. Police are asking for any assistance of the public regarding the location of these individuals or vehicle. These subjects should be considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached and 911 should be called immediately.

Anyone with any other information that could aid the investigation is asked to contact the MHPS at 403-529-8481 or submit a tip via the website (mhps.ca) or mobile app, which is free to download and available for both Apple and Android devices.

On the morning of November 10^th, the Medicine Hat Police received several reports of punctured and/or slashed tires on vehicles throughout the Southeast Hill area of the city.  These random occurrences happened throughout the prior evening, resulting in several thousands of dollars in damages. 

A thorough investigation ensued, which culminated in 4 individuals, including 3 young offenders, being arrested and charged.  Each individual was charged with 13 counts of Mischief Damage Under $5000. 

The names of all accused’s will not be released as per the provisions set forth under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

We have cleared the scene and the roadway is now open for traffic. Thank you for your patience.

The Medicine Hat Police is currently on scene of a motor vehicle collision and is requesting that motorists avoid the area of 20 Street NE and Hatcher Drive NE until further notice.