B.C. man pleads not guilty in drug trafficking case

By Delon Shurtz on June 8, 2021.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDdshurtz@lethbridgeherald.com

A B.C. man arrested last year in Lethbridge after police found drugs in a westside home, has pleaded not guilty to his charges and is preparing to stand trial.
Michael Kebede Abate entered the pleas Thursday in Lethbridge provincial court to one count each of drug possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of the proceeds of crime over $5,000. Abate, also elected to be tried by a Court of Queen’s Bench judge and jury, and have a preliminary hearing.
Last November police investigating drug activity witnessed illegal drug transactions and searched two vehicles and a home in the 2000 block of Westside Drive. They reportedly seized more than 90 grams of cocaine, worth more than $9,000, and more than $7,400 in cash.
Abate was released on $5,000 cash bail following a subsequent bail hearing, and ordered to live at a specific address in Burnaby, B.C., obey a curfew from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. every day, report weekly by phone to the Lethbridge Police Service, abstain from possessing weapons and consuming alcohol and drugs, avoid contact with several individuals, and stay out of Lethbridge except to attend court or meet with his lawyer.
Abate, who was not in court Thursday, was represented by an agent for his lawyer, Tonii Roulston of Calgary.
The matter returns to court next Thursday to allow the Crown and defence more time to continue discussing the case.

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