Malakwa’s Colin Martin is out on bail as he appeals an extradition order to the U.S. on charges linked to a cross-border drug smuggling operation.
On Nov. 27, the B.C. Court of Appeal determined Martin was not at substantial risk to re-offend or flight, and that his release was not contrary to public interest.
According to the Appeal Court registry, Martin was released on a $400,000 surety.
In May, the B.C. Supreme Court ruled Martin be sent to the U.S. for prosecution in relation to an alleged conspiracy to traffic cocaine, marijuana and MDMA or ecstasy.
Martin was recently sentenced to two years of jail time, minus 23 months for time in custody, after pleading guilty to charges of production of a controlled substance and possession for the purpose of trafficking. This related to the discovery of a sophisticated 3,000 plant marijuana grow operation, hidden beneath a workshop on a Malakwa property adjacent to the lot where Martin was residing.