The extradition case against alleged Calgary drug kingpin Allistair Chapman has been temporarily paused as defense counsel awaits crucial documentation from United States authorities.
Court Appearance and Adjournment
During a brief court appearance on Friday before Justice Lisa Silver, defense lawyer Chad Haggerty successfully requested a two-week adjournment for setting an extradition hearing date. The delay is necessary while awaiting the Record of Case (ROC) and order to proceed from U.S. officials.
Chapman, who appeared in court but did not address the proceedings, faces serious charges in the United States. The 33-year-old is wanted on allegations including murder in connection with a continuing criminal enterprise, drug crimes, and conspiracy to export cocaine.
International Drug Connections
The case has significant international dimensions, with Chapman allegedly linked to former Canadian Olympic snowboarder Ryan James Wedding, who U.S. authorities describe as a snowboarder turned alleged drug czar with connections to Mexican cartels. Wedding currently appears on the FBI's top 10 most wanted list, with American authorities believing he is being harbored by cartel members in Mexico.
According to court documents, Chapman's legal troubles span nearly a decade. He was previously arrested in Calgary following a major drug bust in Utah in 2016, where police intercepted three drug mules and discovered 100 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden in a pickup truck.
Previous Charges and Legal History
Police investigations at the time identified Chapman as the alleged ringleader of a sophisticated drug organization. The criminal network was also linked to a double homicide outside a southeast Calgary grocery store on May 21, 2017.
Interestingly, Chapman has a background in junior hockey, having played for both the Calgary Royals and the Drayton Valley Thunder of the AJHL during the 2008-09 season. Law enforcement sources previously described him as introverted and odd, but noted his alleged connections to Mexican drug cartels made him significantly important despite his personality.
In a surprising legal turn, Justice Richard Neufeld dismissed all charges against Chapman on July 30, 2020, citing unreasonable delay in the case. However, the current extradition proceedings represent a renewed effort by authorities to hold him accountable.
During Friday's proceedings, Canadian Department of Justice lawyer Colin LaRoche asked the court to lift a publication ban on individuals Chapman is prohibited from contacting, including Brampton, Ontario lawyer Deepak Paradkar. LaRoche noted that these names have since been released by U.S. officials.
The case continues to develop as international law enforcement cooperation intensifies against transnational drug trafficking organizations with connections to Canadian cities.
