Photo Courtesy MHPS

By Chris Brown

Record fentanyl seizure made after traffic stop: MHPS

Jan 30, 2023 | 3:31 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Police say they have made the largest single seizure of fentanyl in Medicine Hat’s history.

According to the Medicine Hat Police Service, the fentanyl has an estimated street value of nearly $600,000.

A patrol unit traffic stop near Redcliff Drive SW in the early morning hours of Jan. 28 resulted in the seizure of 2,972 grams of fentanyl and 83.84 grams of methamphetamine. Police also seized two rifles, one semi-automatic shotgun and $3,185 cash.

Police say the removal of this large a quantity of fentanyl will have a positive impact on public safety. It’s estimated one gram of fentanyl equates to 10 doses to the average drug user, so this seizure has removed approximately 29,720 doses of fentanyl from our community. The estimated dosage rates are derived from police investigators deemed by the courts as experts in the field of drug consumption rates specific to fentanyl.

The driver and lone occupant of the vehicle was identified as a 52-year-old from Edmonton, who was found to be in breach of a pre-trial release condition.

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The man has been charged with drug trafficking and firearms offences, among others. Following a bail hearing he was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 31.

In a statement, Insp. Brent Secondiak says the file shows the value of patrol officers having the time and training to conduct proactive policing initiatives such as traffic stops.

“While this person was not from our community, we recognize that due to our geographic location there can be large quantities of illicit drugs passing through the city,” he continues. “We commend this officer for the diligent investigation conducted which has had a significant, positive impact on community safety.”