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Medicine Hat… An ALERT investigation into the southeastern Alberta methamphetamine market has resulted in the seizure of a large amount of drugs, cash, a loaded handgun, and $450,000 worth of stolen property.
The results came as part of a joint investigation between ALERT Medicine Hat’s organized crime team, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP Gleichen. The investigation began in December 2016 and concluded with six search warrants and nine arrests taking place on February 25, 2017.
The search warrants took place at four homes in Strathmore, one in Wheatland County, and at a business in Gleichen with assistance from RCMP Emergency Response Team and RCMP Strathmore. A total of $75,000 in drugs and cash was seized along with an extensive amount of stolen property. Roughly $450,000 worth of stolen property was recovered, including pick-up trucks, trailers, recreation vehicles, and heavy equipment. ALERT alleges that the stolen property was likely being exchanged for drugs.
The following items were seized as result of the search warrants:
ALERT’s investigation was opened in response to community concerns about meth trafficking and associated crime in southeastern Alberta. ALERT believes that this network would have been involved in supplying drugs throughout the region.
At the center of ALERT’s investigation was Craig Coffey, a 41-year-old man from Strathmore. ALERT alleges he facilitated the drug supply and employed a network of drug dealers. Coffey is charged with instructing the commission of an offence for a criminal organization, in addition to 27 other charges related to drugs and stolen property.
Eight associates of Coffey were charged with more than 30 offences:
Warrants have also been issued for the following suspects:
Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local police, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is always anonymous.
ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime. Members of Alberta Sheriffs, Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.
The work we do is about our communities, and that’s why we recognize that residents can be instrumental in tackling serious crime. If you or someone you know has been the victim of a crime, or you suspect criminal activity, please reach out. Your information will remain strictly confidential.
Thank you for helping to make Alberta safer by being actively involved and reporting suspicious activity.