MEDICINE HAT
POLICE SERVICE

MEDIA RELEASE

07-027519
Media Interest
2007-10-04 15:25 -
MEDIA NOTIFICATION
800-850 2 ST SE

Text Release Date and Time: 2007-10-04 15

***A picture of some of the items seized during the investigation is available to any media organization by e-mail. If you require one please contact Sgt Darcy Brandt at darbra@medicinehat.ca and a reply will be sent with a photo attached.***

Submitted by Sgt Brandt

Text Release Date and Time: 2007-10-04 15

The Medicine Hat Police Service has recently concluded a fourteen month drug trafficking investigation. The charges stemming from the investigation allege that three individuals were involved in an illegal and large scale enterprise to traffic in various controlled substances, including Cocaine. In total, approximately $337,000.00 of illegal drugs and 140,000.00 cash and vehicles were seized throughout the investigation.

Three individuals charged in relation to the investigation are:

1. Christopher James PEARSON, 27 years of age, a resident of Medicine Hat, Alberta.
2. Christopher Marc DAVID, 23 years of age, a resident of Medicine Hat, Alberta.
3. Blaine Frank ARMBRUSTER, 29years of age, a resident of Medicine Hat, Alberta,

Pertaining to Christopher PEARSON, Christopher DAVID and Blaine ARMBRUSTER all being jointly charged:

Conspiracy to Traffic in Controlled Drugs
Beginning at a time unknown, but from on or about 15 June 2006 and continuing until 12 February 2007 at or near the City of Medicine Hat in the Province of Alberta, did unlawfully conspire with each other or others of them to traffic in controlled drugs, including the drug cocaine (Benzoylmethylecgonine), contrary to the section 5(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and did thereby commit an offence contrary to Section 465(1) (c) of the Criminal Code.

Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking in Controlled Drugs X 3
On or about 14 September 2006 at or near the City of Medicine Hat, Alberta
Text Release Date and Time: 2007-10-04 15

Did possess controlled drugs, including the drug cocaine (Benzoylmethylecgonine), for the purpose of trafficking, contrary to Section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

On or about 15 December 2006 at or near the City of Medicine Hat, Alberta did possess controlled drugs, including the drug cocaine (Benzoylmethylecgonine), for the purpose of trafficking, contrary to Section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

On or about 12 February 2007 at or near the City of Medicine Hat, Alberta did possess controlled drugs, including the drug cocaine (Benzoylmethylecgonine), for the purpose of trafficking, contrary to Section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

Pertaining to Christopher PEARSON being charged:

Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking in Controlled Drugs
On or about 11 February 2007 at or near the City of Medicine Hat, Alberta did possess cocaine (Benzoylmethylecgonine) for the purpose of trafficking, contrary to Section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

Prohibited Weapon
On or about 3 October 2007 at or near Medicine Hat, Alberta did have in his possession a prohibited weapon, to wit: brass knuckles, without being the holder of a licence under which he may possess it contrary to Section 91(2) of the Criminal Code.

Pertaining to Christopher DAVID being charged:

Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking in Controlled Drugs
On or about 11 February 2007 at or near the City of Medicine Hat, Alberta did possess cocaine (benzoylmethylecgonine) for the purpose of trafficking, contrary to Section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

Pertaining to Blaine ARMBRUSTER being charged:

Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking in Controlled Drugs
On or about 1 May 2006 at or near the City of Medicine Hat, Alberta did possess cocaine (benzoylmethylecgonine) for the purpose of trafficking, contrary to Section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

Results of Interim Judicial Release Hearings

Christopher Pearson attended Provincial Court and had his matters adjourned until October 9, 2007 and will remain in custody until then.

Mr. Armbruster attended Provincial Court and had his matters adjourned until October 9, 2007 and will remain in custody until then.

Mr. David proceeded with a Bail hearing in Provincial Court and was subsequently held without bail to re-appear in Provincial Court on October 9, 2007.