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Medicine Hat Police Service
Drug Bust

ALERT investigations leads to Cocaine Seizure in Medicine Hat

Jul 12, 2019 | 11:04 AM

Two alleged drug traffickers have been arrested following investigations by the ALERT organized crime team.

On July 3rd, investigators initiated a traffic stop in the city. A vehicle and the occupant were searched. Officers found 187 grams of cocaine along with $2,625 in cash proceeds of crime.

34 year old Craig Anderson is now facing drug charges.

Two days later, the ALERT team concluded another investigation with a vehicle stop at a rest area on the Trans Canada Highway between Medicine Hat and Calgary. It is alleged the occupant of the vehicle was transporting cocaine to Medicine Hat for sale.

This led to the execution of a search warrant at a home in Cypress County. A search of both the vehicle and home led to the seizure of 142 grams of cocaine, along with various cannabis products, and contraband cigarettes.

65 year old Rodney Carry was arrested and charged.

Staff Sgt. Cory Both says the two men arrested were known to police.

In recent years, police have been focusing on dismantling cocaine trafficking in the region. According to the Medicine Hat Police Service’s annual report, just over two kilograms of cocaine was seized by Medicine Hat Police in 2018.

Both says before methamphetamine and fentanyl became popular in the region, cocaine was the drug of choice on the streets.

“Cocaine is still around, it’s still prominent, and still a huge economic driver for organized crime groups,” said Both. “So its just a matter of spending some time on the cocaine market and arresting some big name cocaine dealers.”

Anderson is scheduled to appear in Medicine Hat Provincial Court on July 18, while Carry appears on August 1.

Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Residents can also submit tips anonymously through the Medicine Hat Police Service mobile app.