Thousands of dollars’ worth of stolen property was recovered after ALERT and Medicine Hat Police Service teamed up to target a suspected methamphetamine dealer.

The joint forces investigation concluded on December 4, 2019, when a rural home was searched in Cypress County, located east of Medicine Hat.

Inside the home, police located approximately 20 grams of meth, along with four firearms and a prohibited 50-round drum magazine. A wide range of suspected stolen property was recovered from an outbuilding on the property.

The suspected stolen property included tools, machinery, and bicycles, which are valued at more than $20,000. MHPS will be attempting to return the stolen property to its rightful owners.

Investigators from ALERT Medicine Hat’s organized crime team and MHPS Priority Street Crimes Unit conducted the investigation in response to meth trafficking concerns, and the correlation with property crimes offences.

“Our community has felt the negative relationship between meth abuse and secondary offences, such as property crime and thefts. Police will continue to target the dealers and the most prolific offenders,” said Staff Sgt. Kelsey Fraser, ALERT Medicine Hat.

Three people were arrested and face multiple charges:

• Denver Ailsby, a 40-year-old man from Cypress County;

• Mike Bishop, a 37-year-old man from Medicine Hat; and

• Keith Baker, a 41-year-old man of no fixed address.

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.

Notices to media:

• High-resolution photos of goods seized are available for download by clicking the thumbnails above.

• A version of this news release is available on ALERT's website

Media inquiries may be directed to:

Staff Sgt. Kelsey Fraser
Medicine Hat Organized Crime Team
Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT)
Ph: 403-529-8425