Medicine Hat pair arrested for drug trafficking

Medicine Hat… Two Medicine Hat residents are facing 31 total charges following a short-term ALERT investigation into drug trafficking.

On May 9, 2023 ALERT Medicine Hat’s organized crime unit, with the assistance of Medicine Hat Police Service, executed a search warrant on an apartment suite in the Crescent Heights neighbourhood and seized the following items:

• 619 grams of methamphetamine;
• 42 grams of fentanyl;
• 10 grams of cocaine;
• 140 pills of oxycodone;
• $960 in cash.

The drugs have an estimated street value of nearly $50,000.

ALERT also seized a sawed-off shotgun, two replica firearms, ammunition, and a conducted energy weapon which resembled a flashlight.

The shotgun will be submitted for further forensic analysis, ballistics testing and serial number restoration. ALERT is conducting a follow-up investigation to determine how it was acquired as the suspect is currently bound by a lifetime firearms prohibition.

“This is a repeat offender and was out on bail when we began our investigation. He is bound by a lifetime firearm prohibition, and his involvement in the drug trade puts the community at risk,” said Staff Sgt. Ryan Thorburn, ALERT.

Justin Crawford, 40 years old, and Melissa Andrews, 40 years old, of Medicine Hat are facing various drug related and firearm offences. The pair remain in custody.

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.