Handgun Seized from Medicine Hat Meth Dealers

Medicine Hat… A Colt Python .357 handgun was amongst the items seized from a group of suspected methamphetamine dealers in Medicine Hat. Four Medicine Hat residents and one Calgary man were arrested by ALERT.

ALERT Medicine Hat’s organized crime team concluded the investigation with the search of a downtown apartment suite on January 6, 2017, with assistance from Medicine Hat Police Service and RCMP officers. The search and seizure are part of the integrated unit’s latest efforts to disrupt the local meth trade.

“We’re very cognizant of the harmful effects of meth and the negative impact it has had on the region. In the past nine months we have taken over a kilogram and a half of meth off the street and made some significant arrests to disrupt sales,” said Staff Sgt. Cory Both.

As result of the most recent investigation, ALERT seized:

• 45 grams of meth, worth as estimated $4,500;
• Packaging materials, digital scale, and other evidence to suggest drug trafficking;
• Pepper spray;
• Brass knuckles;
• Colt Python handgun;
• $820 cash proceeds of crime;

The Colt Python is a restricted weapon and was not lawfully possessed by the accused.

Five people were arrested and face a total of 31 charges related to drug and firearms offences:

• Wyatt Dickson, 19, of Medicine Hat is charged with trafficking (x 5), possession for the purpose of trafficking (x 2), possession of proceeds of crime, possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of a restricted firearm, and careless storage of a firearm.
• Etheen Friesen, 33, of Medicine Hat is charged with trafficking (x 3), possession for the purpose of trafficking, breach of recognizance (x 3), and possession of proceeds of crime.
• Jeremy Leddy, 29, of Calgary is charged with trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime.
• Kenzie Anderson, 28, of Medicine Hat is charged with breach of undertaking and breach of recognizance (x 3).
• Jade Arcand, 19, of Medicine Hat is charged with possession of a prohibited weapon (x 2), possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of proceeds of crime, careless storage of a firearm, and knowingly possess a restricted firearm. 

Leddy and Anderson are scheduled to appear in court on January 10. Dickson, Friesen, and Arcand are expected back in court on January 12.

ALERT’s investigation began in late December 2016.