Mounties say amount of drugs seized "significant" (RCMP image)

By Brian Konrad

Drugs and weapons seized after traffic stop

Hinton RCMP recover stolen vehicle, firearms and drugs; Medicine Hat man arrested

Apr 26, 2022 | 10:45 AM

HINTON, AB — A Medicine Hat is facing drugs and weapons charges, after RCMP at Hinton stopped a suspected impaired driver early on the morning of April 25.

Mounties were able to determine the vehicle had been stolen from Cochrane, and the two males in the vehicle were arrested without incident.

During their investigation, officers found and seized quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl, as well as two sawed-off shotguns, a prohibited magazine, ammunition, machetes, knives and break in instruments.

James Fredrick Benard, 29, of Medicine Hat, is charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of break-in instruments, unauthorized possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle, possession of a prohibited firearm, possession of property obtained by crime over $5000 and possession of a firearm while prohibited.

Benard was remanded into custody pending his next court appearance in Hinton on May 4.

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Dec. 13-15

20h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

Dec 12, 2024

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

Dec 12, 2024

The co-accused, Donald Benjamin Birnie-Browne, 39, of Three Hills, was released on several conditions and will also return to court at Hinton on May 4.