A two-month investigation by ALERT’s Medicine Hat organized crime team has resulted in what is believed to be the largest methamphetamine seizure in the city’s history. Five people were arrested, and more than $120,000 worth of drugs and cash were seized.
On July 13, 2019, with the assistance of Medicine Hat Police Service, ALERT investigators executed search warrants at two residences in Medicine Hat, arresting four people. That same day, they also stopped a vehicle along the Trans-Canada Highway near Brooks and arrested one person with the help of Brooks RCMP.
Over the course of the investigation, which started in May 2019, the following items were seized:
- 1.13 kilograms of methamphetamine;
- 156 grams of cocaine;
- 7 grams of psilocybin mushrooms;
- 207 tablets of illicit prescription drugs;
- three cans of pepper spray;
- a replica firearm; and
- $34,145 cash proceeds of crime.
This methamphetamine seizure exceeds the previous record for Medicine Hat, which the ALERT organized crime team set in December 2017 when 1.02 kilograms of meth were seized during a vehicle stop just inside city limits.
“The presence of methamphetamine has a detrimental effect not only on drug users, but also on the overall safety of citizens of Medicine Hat,” said Insp. Tim McGough, MHPS.
A total of 28 criminal charges have been laid against the five people arrested:
- Rosalind Blade, a 65-year-old woman from Medicine Hat
- Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking (x2)
- Possession of a controlled substance (x2)
- Possession of proceeds of crime
- Breach of recognizance (x5)
- Bobby-Jo Blade, a 38-year-old woman from Medicine Hat
- Trafficking a controlled substance (x5)
- Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking (x3)
- Possession of a controlled substance (x2)
- Possession of proceeds of crime (x2)
- Possession of a weapon dangerous to the public
- Angie Blade, a 25-year-old woman from Medicine Hat
- Breach of recognizance
- Harley Simons, a 44-year-old man from Medicine Hat
- Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking (x3)
- Guled Shideh, a 34-year-old man from Edmonton
- Possession of proceeds of crime
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. Medicine Hat residents can also submit tips anonymously through the Medicine Hat Police Service mobile app, which is free to download and available for both Apple and Android devices.
ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime. Members of Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.
Media inquiries may be directed to:
Insp. Tim McGough
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416