Weapons seized during drug arrests have police concerned
MEDICINE HAT, AB — An increase in firearms seized from drug trafficking investigations has police concerned about potential escalation of the city’s drug trade.
On January 6, the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) arrested four people from Medicine Hat and one Calgary man following an investigation into the city’s methamphetamine trade. Police seized an estimated $4,500 worth of methamphetamine, $820 in cash and material consistent with drug trafficking, but also seized pepper spray, brass knuckles and a Colt Python handgun, a weapon not lawfully possessed by the accused.
“It goes to show that the drug dealers are stepping up their game and arming themselves, which is very concerning, since the methamphetamine trade is already a very volatile and violent trade,” said Staff Sgt. Cory Both, with the Medicine Hat Police Service’s organized crime section. “The fact they are obtaining weapons, particularly handguns, causes a significant community harm risk.”
Wyatt Dickson, 19, of Medicine Hat is charged with five counts of trafficking, two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of a restricted firearm, and careless storage of a firearm.