ALERT Crackdown sees Dozen Drug Dealers Arrested

Medicine Hat… A dozen people have been arrested and charged in a recent ALERT crackdown against suspected dial-a-dope drug dealers operating in Medicine Hat and Brooks.

ALERT’s Medicine Hat Police Service organized crime and gang team worked with the Medicine Hat Police Service and Brooks RCMP detachment since March 2016 to address drug sales in their respective communities. The investigation resulted in the seizure of cocaine and methamphetamine.

“We have seen firsthand the negative effects of meth and cocaine addiction in Medicine Hat and Brooks, and these arrests will have an immediate impact in making those communities a safer place,” said S/Sgt. Jason Graham, ALERT Medicine Hat.

Dial-a-dope drug dealers are typically the first step into criminal gangs and/or networks. Criminal networks use dial-a-dope dealers to insulate themselves from the risks associated to the drug trade, which includes arrests, drug rips, debts, and related violence.

ALERT made the arrests between June 23-26 with each individual charged with at least one offence of drug trafficking. A total of 27 charges have been laid:

• Christopher Foreman, 48, of Medicine Hat;
• Jason Waddell, 40, of Medicine Hat;
• Susanne Wentzell, 39, of Medicine Hat;
• Kaitlyn Klassen, 24, of Medicine Hat;
• Carolyn Matthews, 33, of Medicine Hat;
• Brandi Perry, 27, of Brooks;
• Jasmine Simpson, 36, of Brooks;
• David Kearley, 29, of Brooks;
• Steven MacLeod, 55, of Medicine Hat;
• Eric Deslauriers, 36, of Medicine Hat;
• Isabelle Gallant, 33, of Medicine Hat;
• Varena Plaskin, 20, of Brooks.

Warrants are in the process of being sought for two additional suspects. ALERT’s investigation is on-going and will continue to explore additional enforcement opportunities.

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.

ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime. Members of Alberta Sheriffs, Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.