Southeast Alberta Drug Trafficking Network Dismantled

Medicine Hat… A three-month investigation by ALERT’s Medicine Hat organized crime team has dismantled a drug trafficking network operating in southeast Alberta. Seven people were arrested, and more than $64,000 worth of drugs and cash was seized.

The investigation concluded on June 18, 2019, when ALERT investigators stopped two vehicles en route to Medicine Hat and arrested five of the seven suspects. The other two were arrested the same day as search warrants were executed at three residences in Medicine Hat, along with one in Elkwater, about 65 kilometres southeast of the city.

Over the course of the investigation, ALERT seized a total of $64,410 worth of drugs and cash, including:

• 372 grams of cocaine;
• 1,074 grams of psilocybin mushrooms;
• 1,563 grams of a cocaine buffing agent; and
• $5,630 cash proceeds of crime.

Two shotguns and numerous rounds of ammunition were also seized, along with an assortment of knives and other weapons.

“Disrupting and dismantling organized crime groups such as this one is at the top of ALERT’s list of priorities,” said Staff Sgt. Cory Both, ALERT Medicine Hat. “Taking down what we believe to be a whole network is a big feather in our team’s cap, but we know we have to stay focused on not letting other groups gain a foothold in our communities.”

A total of 27 drug- and firearm-related charges have been laid against seven suspects:

• Kurtis Siemens, 24, of Medicine Hat;
• Jazden Posti, 23, of Medicine Hat;
• Michael Van De Wiele, 35, of Medicine Hat;
• Kevin Ehrler, 27, of Medicine Hat;
• Jeremy Hearn, 33, of Edmonton;
• Justin Nazarek, 25, of Edmonton; and
• Zachary Kroetsch, 24, of Edmonton.

More charges may be laid in the future.

Assistance on this file was provided by Medicine Hat Police Service, ALERT’s Calgary organized crime team, Calgary Police Service, and Morinville RCMP.

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 Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.