NEWS FILE PHOTO Medicine Hat Police Service vehicle is shown in this News file photo. Three people have been arrested and charged in relation to a daytime robbery on Oct. 5, at th
A month-long operation by Medicine Hat police into street-level drug trafficking and property crime has resulted in drug-related charges being laid against more than 20 people.
The Organized Crime Section and Priority Street Crime Unit of the Medicine Hat Police Service joined forces in recent weeks for Operation Suppression, an initiative focused on quelling “the growing increase of criminality caused by the methamphetamine subculture” seen in the city.
In September the Organized Crime Section targeted methamphetamine dealers, resulting in 20 people charged with 65 offences. Police estimate $20,000 in methamphetamine was removed from city streets.
The Priority Street Crimes Unit focused on property offences and ensuring offenders are complying with the conditions of their release. Through the September investigation 29 people were charged with possession of stolen property and 70 with breaching court orders. Police estimate more than $10,000 in stolen property was recovered.
“A multi-pronged approach, targeting issues related to the drug culture is essential,” said MHPS Insp. Brent Secondiak in a release, “as the damage caused by drug abuse and addiction results in wide spread community harm.”
Medicine Hat police say they have seized 2,009 grams of methamphetamine so far in 2017. Last year police seized a then-unprecedented 1,474 grams of methamphetamine, and 369 grams in 2015.
The following 20 people have been charged with drug-related offences as a result of Operation Suppression:
Samantha White, 30-year-old female, charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine.
Grayson Somers, 20-year-old male, charged with trafficking methamphetamine x 2, and breach of probation.
Amanda Kaye, 35-year-old female, charged with trafficking methamphetamine x 2, and breach of probation
Kimberly Brandt, 30-year-old female charged with trafficking methamphetamine, and possession for the purpose of trafficking methamphetamine.
Christopher Munro, 26-year-old male, charged with trafficking methamphetamine, uttering threats, mischief, breach recognizance x 2, breach of probation, and had two outstanding warrants.
Ryan Riley, 31-year-old male, charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking methamphetamine, proceeds of crime, and breach of probation x 2.
David Greenwood, 48-year-old male, charged with trafficking heroin, trafficking fentanyl, possession for the purpose of trafficking heroin, possession for the purpose of trafficking fentanyl, possess hydromorphone, and breach recognizance x 2.
Christopher Lasante, 20-year-old male, charged with trafficking heroin, trafficking fentanyl, possession for the purpose of trafficking heroin, possession for the purpose of trafficking fentanyl.
Michael Polak, 49-year-old male, charged with trafficking methamphetamine and proceeds of crime.
Joal Lebel, 38-year-old male, charged with trafficking methamphetamine.
Krista Osgood, 44-year-old female, charged with possess methamphetamine, proceeds of crime, and breach of recognizance x 4.
Haley Glentworth, 28-year-old female, charged with trafficking cocaine x 2, possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine, possession for the purpose of trafficking methamphetamine, possession for the purpose of trafficking heroin, and proceeds of crime.
Kris Simons, 30-year-old male, charged with possess cocaine.
Chance Newell (a.k.a. Chance Bliss), 19-year-old male, charged with trafficking cocaine, possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine, possess methamphetamine and breach recognizance x 2.
David Dopp, 37-year-old male, charged with trafficking methamphetamine, possession for the purpose of trafficking methamphetamine and possess fentanyl.
Tameka Hazelaar, 23-year-old female, charged with trafficking methamphetamine, possession for the purpose of trafficking methamphetamine, possession for the purpose of trafficking heroin/fentanyl, possession methamphetamine and possess identity document x2.
Chad Cyr, 29-year-old male, charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking methamphetamine, possession weapon dangerous and breach of probation.
Racheal Penner, 28-year-old female, charged with trafficking methamphetamine x 2.
Jason Tremblay, 40-year-old male, charged with trafficking methamphetamine, possession for the purpose of trafficking methamphetamine, proceeds of crime and breach of probation.
Ashley Gackle, 40-year-old male, possession for the purpose of trafficking methamphetamine.
Individuals Charged by the PSCU with Property Offences:
Justin Yaholintsky, 26-year-old male, charged with; possession of stolen property over $5,000 x 2, possession of stolen property under $5,000, fail to remain at the scene of an accident, and breach of probation x6.
Travis Seitz, 26-year-old male, charged with; possession of stolen property over $5,000, possession of stolen property under $5,000 x 2, possession of a controlled substance, and breach of recognizance x 6.
Justin Craig, 33-year-old male, charged with; possession of stolen property over $5,000, possession of stolen property under $5,000 x3, possession of controlled substance and possession of identity documents.
