Alberta Law Enforcement Teams (ALERT) arrested five suspected drug dealers in Red Deer late last week. 

On April 4, ALERT’s Integrated Gang Enforcement Team observed a suspected drug transaction involving two vehicles in a parking lot along Gaetz Avenue.  

Two vehicles were pulled over and the five occupants were arrested. 

A loaded handgun was seized during the arrest, which was previously reported stolen, along with cocaine, fentanyl, and other prohibited items. 

The full search of both vehicles resulted in ALERT seizing the following items: 

  • Loaded, stolen handgun 

  • 45 grams of cocaine 

  • 2 grams of fentanyl 

  • 3 fentanyl patches 

  • GPS tracking device 

  • Portable hacking device 

  • Brass knuckles 

  • Gloves and balaclavas 

  • $5,100 cash 

The handgun will be submitted for further analysis and examination by ALERT’s Provincial Firearms Solutions Lab. 

The five suspects arrested face a combined 25 charges related to drug, firearms, and weapons offences: 

  • Makenzie Giles, 27-year-old from Red Deer 

  • Martin Heathen, 30-year-old from Onion Lake, Sask. 

  • Jordan McMartin, 22-year-old from Red Deer 

  • Ethan Frenette, 21-year-old from Red Deer 

  • Madison Halvorson, 23-year-old from Red Deer 

McMartin was also found to be wanted on several warrants in relation to offences in the Red Deer area. 

“Although gang-related violence may seem specifically targeted to those involved in organized criminality; the negative impact of this victimization is far more reaching and affects all Albertans.  The solution lays within the integrated approach of our ALERT teams to suppress, disrupt and dismantle organized crime,” said Insp. Angela Kemp, ALERT Edmonton. 

Anyone with information about this investigation, or who suspects drug or gang activity in their community can call local police or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) to remain anonymous.