Police seize 1 kg of meth in Medicine Hat bust

Police in Medicine Hat have seized just over a kilogram of methamphetamine in what investigators say is the largest bust of its kind in that southeastern Alberta city.

Investigators also found 226 grams of cocaine in the operation last week, said the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) in a release Monday.

Together, the drugs had a street value of about $125,000, officials said.

ALERT's organized crime branchconfiscated the drugs during a pre-planned traffic stop Friday of a vehicle just inside the city on Highway 3. Officers found the drugs in the trunk of the rented vehicle, ALERT said.

The alleged driver of the rental car, Shonna Scriven, 47, of Medicine Hat, was arrested and charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime.

Michael Abate, a 28, of Lethbridge, was arrested simultaneously in Lethbridge and charged with drug trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime.

Police believe the drugs were being transported from Lethbridge to Medicine Hat.

ALERT is a provincially funded group of police officers who focus on organized crime. It includes members of the Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service,LethbridgePolice Service, Medicine Hat Police Service andRCMP.

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