Trio Charged after Large Cocaine Seizure in Medicine Hat

Medicine Hat… Three people have been arrested following a drug trafficking investigation in Medicine Hat. Nearly $85,000 worth of cocaine and cash was seized by ALERT.

ALERT’s Medicine Hat organized crime team made the seizure on October 12, 2018. Medicine Hat Police Service provided assistance with search warrants being executed at two local residences. One of the homes that was allegedly being used to sell drugs was located adjacent to an elementary school.

“This is a pretty significant seizure for our community and certainly gets a lot of harmful substances off the street,” said Staff Sgt. Cory Both, ALERT Medicine Hat.

The following items were seized:

• 647.1 grams of cocaine;
• 522 grams of a cocaine buffing agent;
• 1.5 grams of methamphetamine;
• 28 grams of psilocybin mushrooms;
• various weapons; and
• $19,280 cash proceeds of crime.

The investigation dates back to September when ALERT received information about suspected drug trafficking.

Three people have been charged as result of the investigation: Curtis Rodin, Lesley Lebel, and Kris Simons.

Rodin, a 32-year-old man, is charged with drug trafficking (x 2), possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of proceeds of crime, drug possession, and resisting arrest.

Lebel, a 37-year-old woman, is charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of proceeds of crime, and drug possession.

Simons, a 31-year-old man, is charged with drug trafficking (x 4), possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of proceeds of crime (x 2), possession of a prohibited weapon, and breach of probation (x 2).

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.

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