Proactive patrols led to a significant seizure of Fentanyl and methamphetamine.

On January 28, 2023, at approximately 3:15 AM a member of the Medicine Hat Police Service Patrol Section was patrolling in the area of Redcliff Drive SW and conducted a traffic stop. The lone male driver, identified as John Elford, was found to be in breach of a pre-trial release condition. Elford, age 52, of Edmonton, AB was subsequently taken into custody and a further investigation of the vehicle resulted in a seizure of the following drugs and weapons:

• 2,972 grams of Fentanyl
• 83.84 grams of methamphetamine
• 2 rifles
• 1 semi-automatic shot gun
• $3,185 cash

A Judicial Interim Release Hearing was held where Elford was charged with the following offences:

• Three counts of breach of release conditions
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Fentanyl
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Methamphetamine
• Six counts of firearms related offences
• Proceeds of Crime

Elford was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear in court on January 31, 2023.

The street value of the Fentanyl seized is estimated at $594,000 and is the largest single seizure of the illicit drug in Medicine Hat to date. More importantly, the removal of these dangerous substances from the street will have a positive impact on community safety. It is estimated that 1 gram of Fentanyl equates to 10 doses to the average drug user, meaning that this seizure has removed approximately 29,720 doses of Fentanyl from our community. The estimated dosage rates are derived from police investigators deemed by the Courts as experts in the field of drug consumption rates specific to Fentanyl.

“This file highlights once again the value of patrol officers having the time and training to conduct proactive policing initiatives such as traffic stops,” says MHPS Inspector Brent Secondiak. “While this person was not from our community, we recognize that due to our geographic location there can be large quantities of illicit drugs passing through the city. We commend this officer for the diligent investigation conducted which has had a significant, positive impact on community safety. Job well done!”

Media Contact:

Rita Sittler
Administrative Services Manager
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8416