Seven Arrested following Drug Raids in Medicine Hat

Medicine Hat… Two carbine rifles, thousands of rounds of ammunition, and $40,000 worth of drugs were seized after ALERT executed search warrants in Medicine Hat.

On February 13, ALERT Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) concluded a three-month drug trafficking and firearms investigation after two Medicine Hat homes were searched and seven suspected drug dealers were arrested. ALERT MHPS is an integrated team consisting of MHPS and RCMP members.

ALERT MHPS searched homes on Ranchland Boulevard Northeast and Somerset Lane Southeast. ALERT MHPS seized $40,000 worth of cocaine, heroin, and other drugs:

• 375 grams of cocaine;
• 4 grams of heroin;
• 40 hydromorphine pills;
• 1 fentanyl pill;
• 20 grams of cannabis resin;
• 2 grams of psilocybin;
• Cocaine press and packaging materials consistent with drug trafficking.

Two SKS carbine rifles were seized alongside thousands of rounds of ammunition and a loaded 25-round magazine. Both firearms were recently acquired through fraudulent means and one of the rifles already had its serial number defaced.

Seven people were arrested and charged with a total of 41 criminal offences relating to drugs and firearms:

• Dorian Bernhart, 21 years old;
• Justin Tye, 26 years old;
• Cole Lee, 24 years old;
• Nathan Cooper, 34 years old;
• Devin Petke, 25 years old;
• Steven O’Nabigon, 21 years old;
• Jamie Vorra, 25 years old.

ALERT MHPS’ investigation remains on-going and additional charges and arrests are expected.