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“Operation Suppression” targets street-level drug traffickers

Oct 10, 2017 | 9:08 AM

 

MEDICINE HAT, AB — 20 people in the Gas City are facing numerous drug charges after a long investigation led by local police and the Alberta Law Enforcement Responce Teams.

The month long investigation was focused on applying pressure to street-level drug trafficking. The goal was to suppress crime across Medicine Hat, stemming from what police are calling the ‘methamphetamine subculture’.

The investigation, titled “Operation Suppression” was handled by the Organized Crime Section (OCS) and the Priority Street Crime Unit (PSCU).

“20 individuals are facing drug related charges with 65 drug offences and an estimated $20,000 worth of drugs removed from city streets,” said Inspector Brent Secondiak.

29 individuals are also facing stolen property charges and 70 are facing breaches of court orders.

“The message is very clear. If you’re going to deal meth in the community, then you’re going to be a target,” said Inspector Dave Dubnyk with ALERT.

While the investigation has concluded, the release states that the local police and ALERT will continue their efforts to address the increase in drug use, working alongside each other.

As of the end of September, the local police had seized 2,009 grams of methamphetamine, a 400 per cent increase over September of 2015 which saw 369 grams seized. In 2016, a total of 1,474 grams had been seized.

The following individuals have been charged with drug offences.

Samantha White, 30-year-old female, charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine.

Grayson Somers, 20-year-old male, charged with trafficking methamphetamine x 2, and breach of probation.

Amanda Kaye, 35-year-old female, charged with trafficking methamphetamine x 2, and breach of probation

Kimberly Brandt, 30-year-old female charged with trafficking methamphetamine, and possession for the purpose of trafficking methamphetamine.

Christopher Munro, 26-year-old male, charged with trafficking methamphetamine, uttering threats, mischief, breach recognizance x 2, breach of probation, and had two outstanding warrants.

Ryan Riley, 31-year-old male, charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking methamphetamine, proceeds of crime, and breach of probation x 2.

David Greenwood, 48-year-old male, charged with trafficking heroin, trafficking fentanyl, possession for the purpose of trafficking heroin, possession for the purpose of trafficking fentanyl, possess hydromorphone, and breach recognizance x 2.

Christopher Lasante, 20-year-old male, charged with trafficking heroin, trafficking fentanyl, possession for the purpose of trafficking heroin, possession for the purpose of trafficking fentanyl.

Michael Polak, 49-year-old male, charged with trafficking methamphetamine and proceeds of crime.

Joal Lebel, 38-year-old male, charged with trafficking methamphetamine.

Krista Osgood, 44-year-old female, charged with possess methamphetamine, proceeds of crime, and breach of recognizance x 4.

Haley Glentworth, 28-year-old female, charged with trafficking cocaine x 2, possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine, possession for the purpose of trafficking methamphetamine, possession for the purpose of trafficking heroin, and proceeds of crime.

Kris Simons, 30-year-old male, charged with possess cocaine.

Chance Newell (a.k.a. Chance Bliss), 19-year-old male, charged with trafficking cocaine, possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine, possess methamphetamine and breach recognizance x 2.

David Dopp, 37-year-old male, charged with trafficking methamphetamine, possession for the purpose of trafficking methamphetamine and possess fentanyl.

Tameka Hazelaar, 23-year-old female, charged with trafficking methamphetamine, possession for the purpose of trafficking methamphetamine, possession for the purpose of trafficking heroin/fentanyl, possession methamphetamine and possess identity document x2.

Chad Cyr, 29-year-old male, charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking methamphetamine, possession weapon dangerous and breach of probation.

Racheal Penner, 28-year-old female, charged with trafficking methamphetamine x 2.

Jason Tremblay, 40-year-old male, charged with trafficking methamphetamine, possession for the purpose of trafficking methamphetamine, proceeds of crime and breach of probation.

Ashley Gackle, 40-year-old male, possession for the purpose of trafficking methamphetamine.

The following individuals face property charges;

Justin Yaholintsky, 26-year-old male, charged with; possession of stolen property over $5,000 x 2, possession of stolen property under $5,000, fail to remain at the scene of an accident, and breach of probation x6.

Travis Seitz, 26-year-old male, charged with; possession of stolen property over $5,000, possession of stolen property under $5,000 x 2, possession of a controlled substance, and breach of recognizance x 6.

Justin Craig, 33-year-old male, charged with; possession of stolen property over $5,000, possession of stolen property under $5,000 x3, possession of controlled substance and possession of identity documents.