Items seized (Photo courtesy ALERT)

By Justin Goulet

Six people charged after more than $160,000 worth of drugs and cash seized in Mountain View County bust

Mar 9, 2021 | 10:35 AM

MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY, AB – Over $160,000 in drugs and cash was seized following an ALERT investigation in southern Alberta.

The drugs were seized after a search of a rural residence in Mountain View County. ALERT confiscated large amounts of methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine. Four firearms, including two loaded handguns were also seized.

As a result, six people were arrested.

“Our information suggested these suspects were trafficking drugs in the region, and also supplying methamphetamine and fentanyl towards Medicine Hat and Lethbridge,” stated Staff Sgt. Kelsey Fraser, ALERT Medicine Hat.

The investigation was concluded on February 24. Didsbury RCMP, Red Deer RCMP, Medicine Hat Police and ALERT Red Deer assisted.

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Below is a breakdown of the estimated $160,000 worth of drugs and cash seized during the search:

• 281 grams of methamphetamine;
• 330 grams of fentanyl;
• 261 grams of cocaine;
• 758 grams of psilocybin mushrooms; and
• $30,780 cash.

In addition to two handguns seized, ALERT confiscated a rifle and a shotgun. One of the handguns was found loaded inside the suspect’s vehicle.

The six individuals arrested face a total of 27 criminal offences:

• Edward Nicholson, 53-year-old from Didsbury, is charged with possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking, possession of proceeds of crime, and 11 firearms-related offences;
• Ryan Riley, 35-year-old from Medicine Hat, is charged with possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking;
• Lori Ehrler, 32-year-old from Medicine Hat, is charged with possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking;
• Denise Dorge, 73-year-old from Didsbury, is charged with two firearms-related offences;
• Colin Orum, 47-year-old from Didsbury, is charged with possession of drugs and careless storage of a firearm; and
• Letisha Whitesel, 19-year-old from Didsbury, is charged with property obtained by crime.

Members of the public who suspect drug or gang-related activity in their community should contact their local police agency, or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).