Photo courtesy of ALERT's Medicine Hat organized crime team

By Chantal Wagner

Worth approximately $68,300

Meth, carfentanil, cocaine seized in Medicine Hat

Jan 14, 2020 | 1:39 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Two people are facing multiple charges following a significant drug seizure in Medicine Hat this week.

According to ALERT, the pair have been arrested and a warrant is being sought for one more person following an investigation by ALERT’s Medicine Hat organized crime team.

They say the two-month investigation concluded on January 12, 2020, when ALERT investigators initiated a vehicle stop between Medicine Hat and Redcliff.

It is alleged the occupants of the vehicle were part of a drug trafficking group that operated in Medicine Hat but has ties to Calgary.

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According to ALERT, from the vehicle, investigators seized drugs and cash worth approximately $68,300, including 532 grams of methamphetamine, 96 grams of suspected carfentanil, 57 grams of cocaine, 211 grams of a cocaine buffing agent, and $1,325 in cash proceeds of crime.

ALERT Staff Sgt. Kelsey Fraser says this is a significant seizure for the start of the year.

“This is not the first time in which we have seized suspected carfentanil in Medicine Hat, but this is the most significant amount we have seized to date,” said Staff Sgt. Kelsey Fraser, ALERT Medicine Hat. “While we’re still waiting on lab results to confirm exactly what’s in the drugs that were seized, the possibility of carfentanil being present in Medicine Hat poses a serious risk to the safety of the community.”

Fraser adds, “That’s $68,000 not spent on drugs in this community, right. The whole game here for drug dealers is profit, there’s no other concern for them other than making money off the backs of people with addiction. So if we can prevent that profit-building that’s what we’re going to do.”

A replica handgun was also seized from the vehicle.

ALERT says 44-year-old Ryan Porter of Calgary was arrested and faces a total of 22 criminal charges, including trafficking a controlled substance; possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking; possession of proceeds of crime; breach of a weapons prohibition; and breach of recognizance.

Additionally, 29-year-old Tristan Skappak, of no fixed address was arrested and charged with three counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking.

According to ALERT, a warrant is being sought for the arrest of a 36-year-old woman. ALERT is not providing her name as the charges against her have not yet been officially sworn.

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).