Local ALERT members and RCMP officers seized a large amount of cocaine, estimated at $125,000, cash and weapons during a collaborative bust Tuesday.--HANDOUT PHOTO
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Members of the Medicine Hat Police Service ALERT team and Redcliff RCMP took more than an estimated $125,000 of cocaine off local streets after two homes and one vehicle were searched, leading to the arrest of two alleged dealers from Medicine Hat.
Melissa Gertner, 46, and 24-year-old Konnor Smith-Boutler have both been charged with possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking and possession of proceeds of crimes.
Gertner has also been charged with possession of a prohibited weapon.
ALERT members, officers who specialize in combating organized crime, made the arrests Tuesday with help from Medicine Hat police officers and RCMP members after a planned traffic stop was conducted near Redcliff.
Police discovered a total of 1,242 grams of cocaine inside the vehicle. Gertner and Smith-Boutler were arrested and are believed to be trafficking illegal drugs in the city.
Officers also searched two Medicine Hat homes. Along with the cocaine, more than $9,000 in cash was seized.
In a handout photograph provided by police, a hand-axe and long knife, along with a set of brass knuckles, are also seen.
“Our enforcement strategy was successful in stopping this large amount of drugs from circulation,” said St. Sgt. Ryan Thorburn with ALERT. “This is a sizable seizure for Medidien Hat and spared our community considerable harm.”
