Meth and Handgun Seized in Southeast Alberta

2019| Medicine Hat| Organized Crime & Gangs

Medicine Hat… Three people have been charged after ALERT seized over half a kilogram of methamphetamine and a loaded handgun. Arrests took place in Medicine Hat and Brooks.

ALERT’s Medicine Hat [alert-tooltip title=”ALERT has organized crime and gang teams based in seven cities across Alberta. Click for more info.”]organized crime team[/alert-tooltip] concluded a drug trafficking investigation on February 22, 2019, with the help of Medicine Hat Police Service and Brooks RCMP. Two separate traffic stops took place, which facilitated the arrests and seizures.

The value of the drug bust is estimated at $32,000, and evidence seized included:

521 grams of [alert-tooltip title=”Methamphetamine (or meth) is a drug that stimulates the central nervous system. It is often seen in the form of a white powder with a bitter taste or a pill. Click for more info.”]methamphetamine[/alert-tooltip];
a loaded handgun;
brass knuckles; and
$830 cash proceeds of crime.

“This investigation is a significant step in disrupting and dismantling organized crime in our community,” said Staff Sgt. Cory Both, ALERT Medicine Hat. “Preventing these drugs and weapons from hitting the streets of Medicine Hat goes a long way toward keeping our residents safe.”

The handgun was a Glock .40-calibre with the serial number filed off. Further ballistics testing and analysis will be completed to determine if the firearm was used in any other crimes.

Aron Horvath, a 37-year-old man, faces 11 criminal charges, including:

trafficking a controlled substance;
possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking;
possession of proceeds of crime; and
eight [alert-tooltip title=”More and more, ALERT investigators are finding firearms when they investigate organized crime groups who are involved in drug trafficking. Click to find out more.”]firearms[/alert-tooltip]-related offences.

James Benard, a 26-year-old man, is charged with trafficking a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, possession of proceeds of crime, possession of a prohibited weapon, and breach of probation (x3).

Devon Koehle, a 19-year-old woman, is charged with possession of a controlled substance and breach of recognizance.

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-tooltip title=”More than 300 municipal police and RCMP officers work together in teams at ALERT to investigate everything from drug trafficking to child exploitation to gang violence. Click for more info.”]ALERT[/alert-tooltip] 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 Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.