One alleged pot trafficker is out on bail while another awaits a judge’s decision.
On January 16, police intercepted a package from B.C. destined for a Yorkton business. According to the RCMP, the package contained 14 pounds of marijuana.
Officers arrested Rob Friesen, the owner of the business, and Michael Winter on multiple charges of trafficking, possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of the proceeds of crime. They also tacked on a charge of breach of an undertaking for Winter because he was already on release on similar charges dating to September, October and December 2014.
Friesen appeared in court January 21 and was released on $5,000 bail and conditions. In addition to keeping the peace and being of good behaviour, he must maintain an approved residence, observe a curfew from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., submit to police searches, not consume non-prescription drugs and have no contact with Winter or Clark Protz, who is currently in jail on trafficking charges dating to May 2014.
Winter was remanded in custody January 21 and appeared again January 26 for a bail hearing.
Federal prosecutor Dave Rusnak opposed his release on the secondary ground that he is likely to reoffend pointing out that since he was arrested the first time in September, he had been picked up three more times on similar charges.
Regina defence attorney Sharon Fox argued the secondary ground did not apply because her client had not broken the law calling the Crown’s case “incredibly weak,” the evidence for which cannot be printed because evidence presented at a bail hearing is subject to publication ban.
It was a lengthy and complex hearing. Judge Patrick Reis reserved his decision saying he had a lot to think about. Winter is scheduled to appear again this morning to hear the judge’s decision.
