R. v. GGG, [ABQB, Calgary – March 2021]

GGG was charged with possession of cocaine and methamphetamine in relation to the largest drug seizure in the history of the Calgary Police Service. The “bust” drew national media attention including coverage in the Toronto Star. The following media headlines speak for themselves in terms of the significance of the seizure and gravity of the ensuing prosecution.

• Toronto Star – Calgary police seize over 200 pounds of drugs from Dodge Caravan
• CBC News – $8M in cocaine and meth seized after trafficking investigation
• Gateway Gazette – Calgary Police Services: Record-Breaking Drug Seizure
• 660 News – ‘Surprising, shocking’: Calgary police seize $8M worth of drugs
• CTV News – Calgary police make record-breaking drug bust during traffic stop

GGG retained Patrick Fagan to defend this most serious drug prosecution as the Crown was seeking a lengthy term of imprisonment in the range of 12-14 years. Patrick Fagan entered an election by way of a Justice of the Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta (sitting without the intervention of a Jury) with a preliminary inquiry. The case for the prosecution appeared overwhelming at preliminary inquiry and GGG was committed to stand trial in Queen’s Bench on all charges.

BOTTOM LINE: After a hard-fought two-week trial in the Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta, Patrick Fagan secured verdicts of NOT guilty on ALL charges.

It is interesting to note that no mention whatsoever was made by the media anywhere in this Country of GGG’s success in securing verdicts of not guilty at trial. Seems a little unbalanced and unfair but apparently… it is what it is.