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Courtesy ALERT and Medicine Hat Police
ALERT Bust

Four Medicine Hat residents charged in drug bust

Jun 8, 2020 | 11:14 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Four people from Medicine Hat are facing charges following an ALERT drug bust last week.

The arrests took place on June 3 in Veinerville, a hamlet located just east of Medicine Hat.

One of the suspects attempted to evade police and two ALERT police vehicles were rammed as a result. One officer was taken to hospital as a precaution.

“Drug dealers will go to great lengths to protect their trade, including introducing violence into the community and those around them,” said Insp. Sean Boser, ALERT Regional teams.

.A search of the vehicles yielded nearly $20,000 worth of drugs, including:

  • 184 grams of methamphetamine;
  • 28 grams of fentanyl;
  • 28 grams of cocaine; and
  • 20 grams of psilocybin mushrooms.

Gerald Thurber, a 52-year-old man from Medicine Hat, is charged with:

  • Flight from police;
  • Assault on a peace officer with a weapon;
  • Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle;
  • Possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking;
  • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose; and
  • Possession of proceeds of crime.

Trent Collier, a 44-year-old man from Medicine Hat, is charged with:

  • Possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking;
  • Possession of proceeds of crime;
  • Breach of undertaking;
  • Breach of release order; and
  • Breach of probation.

Kris Hansen, a 37-year-old man from Medicine Hat, is charged with:

  • Possession of drugs;
  • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose; and
  • Breach of recognizance.

Jessica Ott, a 24-year-old woman from Medicine Hat, is charged with:

  • Possession of drugs.

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).

Crime Stoppers is always anonymous.

Medicine Hat residents can also submit tips anonymously through the Medicine Hat Police Service mobile app, which is free to download and available for both Apple and Android devices.