MHPS concludes ‘largest organized crime investigation’ with 60 charges, major drug seizure

By Jeremy Appel on November 24, 2018.

jappel@medicinehatnews.com @MHNJeremyAppel

The Medicine Hat Police Service announced Friday it has taken down a massive local cocaine ring following an 11-month investigation in conjunction with ALERT dubbed “Project Maverick.”

Ten suspects face a total of 60 charges after being arrested on Nov. 15 and 16.

MHPS Insp. Tim McGough called Project Maverick “the largest organized crime investigation we’ve seen in Medicine Hat” at a news conference announcing the bust.

Police seized 1.1 kilograms, or $200,000 worth, of cocaine, 10 rifles, two shotguns, two handguns, three prohibited magazines, thousands of rounds of ammunition, 8,800 contraband cigarettes and $9,200 in recovered stolen property, as well as $17,000 in property and $53,700 in cash obtained through crime.

During the investigation, two homes in Medicine Hat and one in Redcliff were searched.

Twenty-seven-year-old Derec Trekofski of Medicine Hat is suspected of being the drug ring’s leader and has been charged with instructing a criminal organization.

ALERT Insp. Sean Boser said it’s “not uncommon” to see people that young involved in organized crime.

“Individuals involved in criminal activity are of varying ages,” he said.

Trekofski has prior drug trafficking convictions as a result of another ALERT investigation.

He’s scheduled to appear in court Dec. 20.

Two other suspects — Ian Gabriel, 29, of Medicine Hat and Sean Engel, 28, of Redcliff — are charged with participating in a criminal organization and conspiracy to traffic cocaine.

Boser said organized crime-related charges are rare.

Gabriel and Ethan Tough, 28, both of Medicine Hat – have yet to be arrested.

The other suspects are Kristen Allen, 30, and Justin Allen, 32, from Redcliff, Krystal Chin, 26, Mitchell Wasiliew, 29, and Trenton Holmstrom, 29, from Medicine Hat, as well as 53-year-old Kerry Dennis from Leoville, Sask.

“This seizure will have, undoubtedly, an immediate impact on Medicine Hat and the surrounding communities it was affecting before,” said McGough.

“The trickle-down impact of the drug trade is associated with acts of violence, property crimes, addiction and health care costs. All Albertans pay the costs of the drug trade.”

Project Maverick began in December 2017 based on criminal intelligence gathered through a drug trafficking investigation.

It included assistance from the Redcliff and Brooks RCMP, as well as the Taber, Calgary and Edmonton Police Services.

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