(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Sheldon Spackman

Court

Stay of proceedings for Slave Lake man in Bowden Institution drug investigation

Jan 24, 2024 | 5:34 PM

There has been a stay of proceedings for a Slave Lake man charged in a year-and-a-half long drug investigation at the Bowden Institution.

Braden Foster, 33, was scheduled for trial in Red Deer Court of Kings Bench last week, but according to the Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC), the Crown entered a stay of proceedings on Jan. 16, 2024, after determining it was no longer in the public interest to prosecute.

PPSC officials add, however, that a full forfeiture of all items seized was also ordered.

Foster was previously scheduled for trial in June of last year. The stay means legal proceedings have been paused indefinitely.

Foster was charged with two counts of trafficking a controlled substance, contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, distribute cannabis, contrary to the Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Act, and trespass by night.

Meaningful Mementos

Remembering Someone You've Lost at Christmas

Dec 03, 2024

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

RCMP say institution staff began looking into suspicious activity at the facility in Nov. 2019.

Mounties say a search was conducted that resulted in the discovery of hidden contraband. Packages were alleged to have contained fentanyl, methamphetamine, cannabis concentrates and tobacco.

Innisfail RCMP led the investigation alongside Bowden Institution’s security intelligence office, and Slave Lake RCMP.

Two other individuals from Slave Lake were also charged initially, including 34-year-old Raymond Foss, whose legal proceedings were stayed and paused indefinitely in October 2022, and Joshua Anthony Laboucan, 25, who had his charges withdrawn in October 2021.