15. Regina v. B.S. [Provincial Court of Alberta, Calgary – September, 2013]

B.S. was operating his motor vehicle on the Trans-Canada Highway near Banff when he was stopped by the RCMP in a classic Pipeline Interdiction scenario. After engaging B.S. in a scripted Q&A the police conducted a search of the vehicle and seized a substantial quantity of psilocybin and cash. B.S. was promptly arrested and charged with a possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and proceeds of crime. Our efforts to resolve this prosecution amicably were initially unsuccessful so we entered an election of trial by way of Queen’s Bench and scheduled a preliminary inquiry. During the intervening months our efforts to resolve this prosecution amicably were eventually successful. Bottom line: well in advance of the date scheduled for preliminary inquiry the Crown agreed to withdraw the proceeds charge and the possession for the purpose of trafficking charge in exchange for a plea of guilty to simple possession of a controlled substance and a fine. As our client had a lengthy criminal record for related offences we took the deal.