Convicted drug smuggler Colin Martin has once again applied for bail.
This time, Martin’s application relates to drug charges laid after authorities raided his Malakwa residence and neighboring workshop in July 2010.
In a bunker underneath the workshop, police uncovered a marijuana grow operation containing approximately 3,000 plants. Martin, his partner Jennifer Cahill, and Jason Airey were arrested and charged with possession, possession for the purpose of trafficking and theft of telecommunication service.
According to Crown prosecutor Ernie Froess, Martin is seeking bail in relation to the two former charges. The bail hearing, says Froess, is being held in Vancouver rather than Salmon Arm (where Martin, Cahill and Airey are being tried) since Martin is currently serving a two-and-a-half year prison sentence at the North Fraser Correctional Centre for an earlier marijuana exportation conviction.
Martin’s prison sentence was handed down in 2006 after a jury found him guilty on eight counts relating to a cross-border drug smuggling operation: conspiring to export marijuana, conspiring to traffic marijuana, four counts of possessing property that was the proceeds of crime, and two counts of laundering.
Martin appealed the decision and was out on bail until his July arrest. The BC Court of Appeal revoked Martin’s bail in August and, soon after, turned down Martin’s appeal.
Martin’s new bail hearing was held Friday, and the judge is expected to make a decision on Jan. 27. Martin, Cahill and Airey’s case will be brought back before the courts in Salmon Arm on Feb. 16, when a trial date is expected to be determined.