Drug search warrant executed

Written by ECA Review

Update (May 10, 2021 at 1:30 p.m.): Kristie Birchmore and Patrick Bell of Hanna, Alta. were charged with possessing fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking.

Both were brought before a Justice on Thus. May 6 and were released on no cash release orders. Both are set to appear in court again on May 26, 2021 in Hanna.

A joint investigation between the Southern Alberta Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) and the Hanna RCMP detachment came to a conclusion on May 6 with the execution of a search warrant at a residence in the 300 block of 1st Avenue West.

The investigation began in March.

The warrant was executed which resulted in the seizure of what is believed to be fentanyl and evidence to support trafficking. 

A 46-year-old female and a 56-year-old male (both from Hanna) are facing a charge of possessing fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking contrary to Section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

Both are being held for a hearing with a Justice of the Peace.

More information will be provided when charges are confirmed and appearance dates are known.

“This is another example of the value of the Southern Alberta Crime Reduction Unit,” said Hanna Sgt. Trent Sperlie.

“They have provided vital services to the Hanna Detachment area since they were created including dismantling a copper theft group responsible for thefts in the Hanna rural area and disrupting drug trafficking within the town of Hanna in two investigations.”

Submitted

About the author

ECA Review

Our newspaper is only as good as its contributors and we thank each one who submits stories, photos and opinions. If you have a news item, photos or opinion to share please submit it to office@ECAreview.com.