ESTEVAN - A number of drug cases were heard in Estevan Provincial Court on Monday.
Cody Blaine Klyne, Devon William Martell, Brennan Stephen McKeen and Jessica Louise Rutter-McKeen had their matters set aside to Dec. 2, again in provincial court.
Klyne's attorney has previously stated Klyne wants a trial by judge and jury in Court of King's Bench, and it was up to the other counsels to work with him.
Judge Mitch Miller suggested in a previous hearing that the defence counsels should contact each other. When Miller asked if there had been discussions, it was noted Rutter-McKeen had just obtained counsel and needed time to review disclosure.
Miller then brought the different defence counsels together who were there in person or on the phone, and suggested that all four come together and figure out what they want with their defence elections.
Background: The Estevan Police Service (EPS), with assistance from the Joint Tactical Support Team (JTST), RCMP International Border Enforcement Team (IBET) and the Weyburn Police Service (WPS), executed search warrants at five locations in Estevan in August. The four accused individuals were charged with possession of a schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine); possession of a schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking (methamphetamine); trafficking a schedule 1 substance (cocaine); trafficking a schedule 1 substance (methamphetamine); and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.
Klyne is facing two charges of violating the conditions of his release order, stemming from a prior offence.
Also on Monday, three people appeared in connection with a drug bust that occurred in late August.
Bradley Williams, and Nadine and Dallas Hala, had their matters adjourned to Dec. 9.
Background: The Estevan Police Service (EPS) executed a search warrant at a residence on Fourth Street on Aug. 27; according to the EPS, cocaine and proceeds of crime were seized.
As a result of this investigation, Williams and the Halas were charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking; trafficking of cocaine; and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.
Meanwhile, Minhaaz Aryan Ali and Cristina McGillivary remain in custody following their arrests on drug charges late last month. Ali appeared by video on Monday while McGillivray had a phone appearance.
Both will have their next appearance Dec. 9 for determination of whether they would have private counsel or Legal Aid. Both said they would be looking for new council.
Background: According to the EPS, on Oct. 29, members executed a search warrant at a local hotel after a man and woman from British Columbia were arrested for drug trafficking offences during a traffic stop. Police seized cocaine with a street value of approximately $80,000 and Canadian currency in excess of $5,000.
As a result of this investigation, Ali and McGillivary were charged with possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine); trafficking a schedule I substance (cocaine); and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.
None of the charges have been proven in court.
