By CHAT News Today

Two charged following methamphetamine seizure in Medicine Hat

May 29, 2017 | 10:52 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — The Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) have arrested and charged two people after more than $33,000 worth of methamphetamine was seized in Medicine Hat.

The Organized Crime team in Medicine Hat made the seizure last Thursday with the help of Medicine Hat police and RCMP. Police seized 325 grams of methamphetamine, 100 oxycodone pills, one gram of heroin, and 3.5 grams of cocaine. Police also seized a replica handgun, a prohibited magazine that was loaded, and other ammunition.

Paul Rasmussen, 45, has been charged with four counts of drug trafficking, five counts of possession of a controlled substance, nine weapon-related offences, possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime.

Siofean Coderre, 43, is charged with four counts of drug trafficking, five counts of possession of a controlled substance, seven weapons charges, possession of proceeds of crime, possession for the purpose of trafficking and nine breach offences related to previous arrests.

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Both Rasmussen and Coderre are in custody and appear in court for a bail hearing on Wednesday.

Staff Sgt. Cory Both with the Medicine Hat Police Service’s organized crime unit says police are focusing on the significant players in the city’s drug trade, but knows police still have a long road ahead with the drug.

“We’re doing an excellent job here as far as enforcement, and we are keeping it to a minimum, however, there is a supply and demand issue going on here,” he said. “There is a market here in Medicine Hat. It’s not unique to Medicine Hat, it’s a big problem all over, but our diligent enforcement is keeping it under wraps, but not enough that we think we’re going to stop it altogether.”

Both says so far this year, police have seized 1.6 kilograms of methamphetamine, up from 1.5 kilograms throughout 2016.