Two people have been charged following a fentanyl seizure in Southeast Alberta. ALERT seized nearly 700 grams of suspected fentanyl powder in Brooks, Alta.

The fentanyl seizure was completed after ALERT Medicine Hat’s organized crime team executed a planned traffic stop in Brooks on July 6, 2022. Two suspects were arrested at the time.

Following the vehicle stop, a home in Empress, Alta. was searched where additional drugs were located. In total, ALERT seized what amounts to approximately $135,000 worth of drugs, including;

• 679 grams of suspected fentanyl;
• 1,110 illicit prescription pills;
• 1 gram of cocaine;
• Suspected GHB; and
• $15,400 cash.

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

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

Nicholson remains in custody while Devonshire is scheduled to appear in court on July 27, 2022.

The seizure and arrests 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).

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.

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.

Media Contact:
Sgt. David Gornisiewicz
MHPS Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT)
Ph: 403-581-8115