File Photo/CHAT News

By Jesse Gill

Medicine Hat man charged with firearms and drug related offences

Sep 21, 2024 | 4:25 PM

A 39-year-old Medicine Hat man is facing numerous firearms and drug related offences following an investigation by the ALERT Medicine Hat organized crime team, with assistance from police.

READ: Police make arrest in Medicine Hat’s Southridge neighbourhood

On Sept. 19 at approximately 2:20 PM, a man was arrested following a vehicle stop completed by members of the MHPS Tactical Team.

During the arrest, the individual failed to comply with officer commands, resulting in the deployment of pepper ball munitions to allow officers to safely take him into custody.

Following the arrest, search warrants were executed at both his Southridge-area residence and at a storage unit located in the Cottonwood area.

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Items seized during this investigation are eleven firearms, many with ammunition in close proximity, a a firearm suppressor, body armour, 147 grams of cocaine, 34 grams of methamphetamine, 1.48 grams of fentanyl, 16.24 fluid oz of gamma hydroxybutyrate, $5,440 in Canadian currency, multiple cellular phones, scales, packaging material and 255 grams of buffing agent.

The Medicine Hat man was charged with multiple firearms-related offences including unsafe storage of a firearm, unauthorized possession of a prohibited device, possession of a firearm contrary to an order, and possess unauthorized body armour, among several others.

The individual has been further charged with the following drug-related offences; three counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of fentanyl, and proceeds of crime.

“This arrest is a significant step in protecting our community from dangerous criminal activity,” said Ryan Thorburn, ALERT Medicine Hat.

“Along with the suspect, we seized multiple firearms that posed a serious threat to public safety. By getting these firearms off the streets, we are taking a strong stand against violence and illegal drug operations,” Thorburn said.

“Our investigation remains ongoing, and we will continue to work with the community to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.”

The man was held for a Judicial Interim Release bail hearing and has been remanded in custody with a court appearance scheduled for Sept. 24.