More than $42,000 worth of cash and drugs – including methamphetamine, cocaine and fentanyl – were seized as ALERT’s Medicine Hat organized crime team wrapped up a four-month investigation into drug trafficking activity. One person was arrested.

On July 22, 2019, with the help of the Medicine Hat Police Service, ALERT investigators executed search warrants on a residence and a vehicle in Medicine Hat. Between the two, they seized:

• 196 grams of methamphetamine;
• 67 grams of fentanyl;
• 48 grams of cocaine; and
• $5,680 cash proceeds of crime.

“The quantities of methamphetamine and cash seized are significant, and this is one of the larger seizures of fentanyl our team has made in Medicine Hat,” said Staff Sgt. Cory Both, ALERT Medicine Hat. “These drugs can be extremely dangerous, even in small amounts, so getting them off the streets of our community is a top priority.”

Theresa Babitzke, 54, has been charged with:

• possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking (x3);
• possession of proceeds of crime; and
• breach of recognizance (x3).

Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local police, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is always anonymous. Medicine Hat residents can also submit tips anonymously through the Medicine Hat Police Service mobile app, which is free to download and available for both Apple and Android devices.

ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime. Members of Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.

Media inquiries may be directed to:
Staff Sgt. Cory Both
Medicine Hat Organized Crime Team
Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT)
Ph: 403-529-8448