A Calgary man facing extradition to the United States in connection with a massive international drug trafficking operation will have his bail denial reviewed in May.
Allistair Chapman's legal team has secured a bail review hearing scheduled for May 8, challenging a February decision that kept him in custody pending extradition proceedings.
Chapman was arrested last year as part of an FBI investigation targeting what prosecutors describe as a billion-dollar drug trafficking network allegedly operated by Ryan Wedding, a former Canadian Olympic snowboarder turned accused crime boss.
Murder conspiracy allegations
U.S. prosecutors initially charged Chapman with conspiracy to commit murder, conspiracy to retaliate against a witness, conspiracy to distribute cocaine, and other serious offences. The charges stem from allegations that Chapman helped orchestrate the killing of an FBI informant in Colombia.
The judge who denied Chapman's initial bail application cited the strength of the prosecution's case against him as a key factor in the decision.
However, Chapman's defence lawyers argue circumstances have changed since the original bail hearing. They note that the extradition request has been amended to focus solely on the conspiracy to commit murder charge, potentially strengthening their case for release.
International trafficking ring
Chapman is among ten individuals arrested in the wide-ranging investigation into Wedding's alleged criminal organization. The former Olympic athlete, who competed for Canada in snowboarding, is accused of running a sophisticated international drug trafficking operation worth billions of dollars.
The case has drawn significant attention due to Wedding's high-profile athletic background and the international scope of the alleged criminal enterprise.
The May 8 bail review will determine whether Chapman remains in custody as his extradition case proceeds through the Canadian court system.
This story is based on reporting by CBC Calgary and Kyra Thompson. Original source available at CBC.ca.