Prosecutor Urges Continued Detention for Calgary Man in Major Drug Cartel Case
A Canadian Department of Justice lawyer has argued that a Calgary man allegedly connected to the Ryan Wedding drug cartel should remain behind bars pending his extradition hearing to the United States. The prosecutor described the accused as a "loyal soldier" to the organization who poses a significant risk if released.
Chapman's Alleged Role in the Wedding Cartel
Allistair Chapman, identified as the accused ringleader of a Calgary drug cartel at the center of ALERT's "Project Arbour," was arrested in a major U.S. drug bust. Chapman previously played junior hockey for both the Calgary Royals and Drayton Valley Thunder during the 2008-09 AJHL season before his alleged involvement in criminal activities.
Department of Justice lawyer Anne-Renee Touchette told Calgary Court of King's Bench Justice Paul Jeffrey that Chapman remains a serious risk to continue his alleged association with members of Wedding's organization. "He has been a loyal soldier to the organization," Touchette stated during Thursday's proceedings.
Specific Allegations and Concerns
The prosecutor outlined several specific concerns about Chapman's potential release:
- Chapman is alleged to have paid $10,000 to the owner of the Dirty News website on behalf of a drug trafficking organization
- The payment was reportedly to post information labeling Jonathan Acebedo-Garcia as a "rat" and to avoid publishing anything about Wedding's alleged network
- Acebedo-Garcia, who is believed to have become a federal witness in the U.S., was fatally shot more than a year ago in a Colombian restaurant
- A provisional arrest warrant from California alleges five charges against Chapman, including conspiracy to commit murder and conspiracy to traffic narcotics
Touchette emphasized that when Chapman "was asked to pay (the Dirty News) he did," demonstrating his alleged commitment to the criminal organization. She also noted there was nothing to indicate Chapman had any legitimate income and argued he could easily resume communicating with drug organization members if released.
Defense Arguments and Judicial Proceedings
Lead defense lawyer Noel O'Brien presented a contrasting view during Wednesday's proceedings, arguing there was minimal evidence linking Chapman to the massive drug trafficking organization or the murder of Acebedo-Garcia. "I consider the case ... as not only flimsy, but non-existent," O'Brien told Justice Jeffrey.
The judge has reserved his decision to give O'Brien time to respond to a case Touchette produced at the last minute. A date for the ruling will be set on February 27, and Chapman remains in custody until that time.
Broader Context and Implications
This case represents a significant international drug enforcement collaboration between Canadian and U.S. authorities. The Ryan Wedding cartel investigation has revealed complex cross-border criminal networks with alleged connections to violence and witness intimidation.
Touchette expressed particular concern about Chapman's proposed sureties—his parents—noting they wouldn't be able to control him "even with their good faith." This highlights the challenges courts face when considering release for individuals allegedly involved in sophisticated criminal organizations with international reach.
The upcoming extradition hearing will determine whether Chapman will be turned over to U.S. officials for prosecution in California, where he faces multiple serious charges related to drug trafficking and conspiracy allegations.
