ALERT charges three following Medicine Hat drug trafficking investigation

April 2, 2013

Medicine Hat…ALERT’s Medicine Hat Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU), an integrated team of Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) and RCMP members, charged three people following a short-term investigation into the trafficking of crack cocaine.

On March 28, CFSEU-Medicine Hat executed a search warrant in the area of 4000 13 Avenue Southeast in Medicine Hat where they seized approximately 80 grams of crack cocaine. The crack cocaine has an estimated street value of $16,000. MHPS provided assistance during this investigation.

Three people face drug-related charges:

• Roger COWAN, a 61-year-old Medicine Hat resident is charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking, trafficking, and possession of proceeds of crime;
• Isabelle GALLANT, a 30-year-old Calgary resident, is charged with possession and breach of probation; and
• Riley LAPINE, a 19-year-old Calgary resident, is charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime.

All three accused will appear back in court on April 16.

CFSEU-Medicine Hat is an ALERT team established and funded by the Government of Alberta to bring together the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources and tools to combat organized crime. Over 400 municipal police, RCMP, and sheriffs work for ALERT.

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Media inquiries may be directed to:
S/Sgt. Joe West
CFSEU-Medicine Hat
Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT)
403-529-8448

Jill Baird
Communications
Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT)
780-509-3028