Items seized by ALERT in Brooks and Empress in July 2022. (Photo: ALERT)

By David Opinko

$135K worth of drugs confiscated in southeastern Alberta

Jul 21, 2022 | 10:46 AM

BROOKS, AB – Two people have been apprehended following the seizures of large quantities of drugs and cash.

The Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) Medicine Hat organized crime team executed a planned traffic stop in Brooks on Wednesday, July 6, 2022, and arrested two suspects.

A further investigation lead officers to the searches of a vehicle and a home in Empress, where additional drugs were confiscated.

In total, ALERT values the drugs at approximately $135,000.

ALERT seized 679 grams of suspected fentanyl, 1,110 illicit prescription pills, one gram of cocaine, suspected GHB, and $15,400 in cash.

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“The seizure and arrests [constituted] a seven-month investigation that also involved the assistance of Medicine Hat Police Service, Calgary Police Service, Oyen RCMP, Brooks RCMP, and Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC),” reads a media release from ALERT.

Edward Nicholson, 55, of Empress, is charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of the proceeds of crime, and breach of a release order.

Stephan Devonshire, 49, of Medicine Hat, is charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of drugs, and possession of the proceeds of crime.

Nicholson remains in custody while Devonshire was released on a promise to appear in court on July 27, 2022.

Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call their local police or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).