Skip to content

Two accused of illegally importing tobacco products also face weapons and drug charges

Federal Crown Prosecutor Vic Findlater told Lloydminster Provincial Court he was opposed to Richard David Bear and Larissa Montana’s release

LLOYDMINSTER - The Crown is opposed to the release of two people accused of illegally importing tobacco products into Saskatchewan and numerous weapons offences.

Federal Crown Prosecutor Vic Findlater told Lloydminster Provincial Court on Aug. 26 that he was opposed to Richard David Bear and Larissa Montana’s release on tertiary grounds. Tertiary grounds means that detention is required to maintain confidence in the administration of justice. Four factors are considered including the strength of the Crown’s case, the seriousness of the offence, the circumstances surrounding the offence, and the potential length of a jail sentence.

The Crown is proceeding by indictment.

Bear and Montana were arrested by Maidstone RCMP Roving Traffic Unit on Aug. 25.

They are both charged with importing tobacco into Saskatchewan unlawfully, possession of unstamped tobacco products, possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of heroin for the purpose of trafficking, possession of Buprenorphine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of currency under $5,000 obtained by an offence, possession of identity documents of another person, possession of a firearm (rifle) without a license, being an occupant of a vehicle knowing there was a firearm, possession of a prohibited device a high capacity magazine, and carry a concealed weapon, a rifle. Montana was additionally charged with obstruction of a peace officer for giving a false name and trying to hide evidence.

Montana and Bear were remanded by consent.

A contested bail hearing will be heard in Lloydminster Provincial Court for Montana on Aug. 30, and for Bear on Sept. 2.

The charges against Bear and Montana haven’t been proven in court.