Meth Dealer Arrested Outside of Medicine Hat

Medicine Hat… An alleged methamphetamine dealer was arrested by ALERT Medicine Hat’s organized crime and gang team. Aaron Hotchen was arrested with 49 grams of meth and a sawed-off shotgun.

The 51-year-old man was arrested by ALERT Medicine Hat, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP Redcliff on October 22, 2016. Hotchen was arrested at a rural home near Seven Persons, Alta., which is located approximately 25 kilometres southwest of Medicine Hat.

In the search of Hotchen’s home investigators located 49 grams of methamphetamine, small amounts of cocaine, heroin, and an unknown white powder. ALERT also seized a loaded sawed-off shotgun despite Hotchen being bound by a lifetime weapons prohibition.

ALERT alleges that Hotchen was active if meth trafficking throughout the southeast corner of the province. Three months prior, Hotchen was charged with similar offences when 141 grams of meth was seized following a search of his vehicle in Bassano, Alta.

“Methamphetamine is a devastating, insidious drug. It affects everyone from users, their families, the community, and the authorities who deal with the users. The recent charges are encouraging and demonstrates that law enforcement is making significant inroads in the fight against this illicit drug,” said Insp. Brent Secondiak, Medicine Hat Police Service.

As result of the latest arrest, Hotchen’s charges include:

• Possession for the purpose of trafficking (x 2);
• Possession of proceeds of crime;
• Possession of a controlled substance;
• Possession of an unauthorized firearm;
• Possession of a loaded, restricted firearm;
• Unsafe storage of a firearm;
• Breach of firearms prohibition;
• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose;
• Breach of recognizance (x 5).

Hotchen was held in custody and is expected to appear in Medicine Hat court on October 25.

ALERT’s investigation into Hotchen began in September 2016.