Police intercept alleged drug trafficker on way to Medicine Hat: ALERT

Drugs, cash and weapons seized during a Medicine Hat drug trafficking investigation. (Courtesy: ALERT)

Police intercepted a shipment of methamphetamine that was allegedly being transported to Medicine Hat, resulting in three arrests and seizures of more drugs and weapons.

Members of the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) arrested a man during a vehicle stop in Brooks, Alta., on Feb. 28, after receiving information that drugs were being couriered to Medicine Hat.

Police searched the vehicle and found more than one kilogram of methamphetamine and a loaded Glock handgun.

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Following the traffic stop, police searched two Medicine Hat homes, seizing more drugs and cash and arresting two more people.

Throughout the investigation, police seized a loaded Glock handgun, 1,015 grams of methamphetamine, 493 grams of cocaine, 330 grams of fentanyl, 884 hydromorphone pills and $34,730 cash.

ALERT said the handgun is being submitted to the provincial firearms lab to see if it was used in any other criminal offences.

As a result, Abdullah Mela, 28, was charged with possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking and multiple firearms-related offences.

ALERT said Mela has a firearms prohibition due to a 2021 manslaughter conviction.

“There exists an inherent violence within the drug trade and taking a firearm out of the hands of a drug dealer is a win for public safety,” said Staff Sgt. Ryan Thorburn with ALERT.

Two others, a 50-year-old man and a 64-year-old woman, both from Medicine Hat, were charged with multiple drug-related offences.

ALERT said anyone who suspects drug activity in Medicine Hat can contact the Medicine Hat Police Service by calling 403-529-8481 or submit tips online at mhps.ca or through the mobile app.