ALERT Nabs Suspected Drug Dealer in Brooks

Medicine Hat… More than $50,000 worth of drugs and cash has been seized from a suspected drug dealer in Brooks. ALERT, Brooks RCMP and Medicine Hat Police teamed up to make the arrest.

On November 24, 2017, ALERT’s Medicine Hat organized crime team searched a Brooks home in relation to a drug trafficking investigation. One person was arrested and charged.

Inside the Sunnylea neighbourhood home, investigators found 170 grams of cocaine, nearly three kilograms of cannabis, $16,000 cash proceeds of crime, and various drug trafficking paraphernalia. ALERT alleges the accused was actively involved in street-level drug sales in the Brooks area.

“ALERT and Brooks RCMP have routinely worked alongside each other to address community concerns related to drug trafficking. This investigation yielded a substantial seizure for a community this size,” said Acting Insp. Cory Both of ALERT.

Eli Socchia, 33, was charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking (x 2), possession of cannabis resin, and possession of a prohibited weapon. He remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on November 29.

ALERT’s investigation began in October 2017 after information was received about suspected drug trafficking activities.

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.