Crown withdraws charges in drug trafficking investigation
By Delon Shurtz - Lethbridge Herald on July 29, 2022.
LETHBRIDGE HERALDdshurtz@lethbridgeherald.com
Criminal charges against two individuals caught in a drug bust last year have been withdrawn.
Joshua Alexander Drake, 32, and Corey Adam Shaw, 33, were facing numerous charges stemming from an investigation into drug trafficking in the city. However, during a brief hearing Thursday in Lethbridge provincial court, the federal Crown withdrew the charges, but forfeited most of the items police seized during the investigation.
“After review of all of the available evidence, the crown was of the view there was no reasonable prospect of conviction,” federal Crown Prosecutor Mark Klassen explained following the hearing.
At about 1:15 p.m. on April 28, 2021, the police concluded a short-term investigation with the arrest of two men in the 100-block of Columbia Boulevard West after observing activity consistent with drug trafficking.
Police searched a vehicle and a home on Lemoyne Crescent West, and reportedly seized 75.4 grams of methamphetamine, 47.2 grams of cocaine, 0.9 grams of fentanyl, 42 pills, including morphine, Oxycodone and Xanax, 25.3 grams of MDMA (Ecstasy), and 25.8 grams of a buffing agent used to dilute illegal drugs. Police also seized paraphernalia associated with drug trafficking, a Taser and bear spray, as well as a 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche and $7,100 in cash.
Drake, who appeared in court by CCTV from the Lethbridge Correctional Centre, was facing charges of drug trafficking;Â possession of the proceeds of crime under $5,000; possession of stolen property under $5,000; possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose; unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon; possession of a prohibited weapon obtained by crime; drug possession for the purpose of trafficking; and driving while disqualified.
Shaw, who attended court in person, was charged with one count of drug trafficking, three counts of drug possession for the purpose of trafficking, and one count of possession of the proceeds of crime under $5,000.
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10-9
What the hell?