PHOTO FROM WWW.TWITTER.COM/ALERT_AB An investigation by ALERT Medicine Hat's organized crime unit resulted in the seizure of nearly $78,000 in drugs on Sept. 6, 2018. The two people charged are still searching for legal representation and their matters were adjourned until Oct. 4.
Two people are facing 13 charges and nearly $78,000 worth of drugs are off the streets following an ALERT Medicine Hat investigation.
ALERT investigators executed a search warrant Sept. 6 on a storage locker in Brier Industrial Estates. Police discovered methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl and buffing agent. Later that same day police arrested two people associated with the locker at a hotel on 13th Avenue. Investigators found more methamphetamine, cocaine and buffing agent, as well as $20,000 cash proceeds of crime.
In total police seized 713 grams of methamphetamine, 247 grams of cocaine and 35 grams of fentanyl powder.
Nicholas Belanger, a 29-year-old man and Devan Koehle, a 19-year-old woman, are each charged with five counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purposes of trafficking and one count of possession of proceeds of crime. Belanger is also charged with one count of possession of a controlled substance.
“This seizure is definitely a major victory for our team and for the safety of the Medicine Hat community,” said S/Sgt. Cory Both of ALERT. “But we also know there are more drugs and more dealers out there, and this only motivates the team to continue the work to clean up our streets.”