Calgary Man Linked to Global Drug Cartel to Make New Bail Bid Ahead of Extradition Hearing
Allistair Chapman, a Calgary man wanted in California for his alleged connection to a worldwide drug cartel reportedly operated by Canadian Olympic snowboarder Ryan Wedding, is set to renew his bid for freedom pending an extradition hearing. The case was discussed in court on Friday, with Chapman's legal team preparing to set a date for a bail review next week in the Court of King's Bench.
Legal Proceedings and Bail Review
Lawyer Chad Haggerty, representing Chapman, indicated that lead counsel Noel O'Brien has received the record of the case from California and is reviewing it to determine if any preliminary applications will be made. Haggerty stated, "The next thing that has to happen in this case is setting dates for any applications." He added that the Department of Justice lawyer, Colin LaRoche, is aware that disclosure applications are likely forthcoming.
Under the Criminal Code, an accused may seek a review of a decision denying judicial interim release if there is a change of circumstances. Chapman's initial bail application was denied last month by Justice Paul Jeffrey, and his lawyers have reached out to determine available dates for a bail review.
Charges and Allegations
The provisional arrest warrant from California initially alleged five charges against Chapman, including conspiracy to commit murder and conspiracy to traffic in narcotics. However, in the authority to proceed filed by the federal attorney general's department on behalf of the U.S., only one offence—conspiracy to commit murder—is listed, as it corresponds to a similar crime in Canada under the extradition agreement.
One of the specific allegations involves Chapman allegedly paying $10,000 to a website owner on behalf of a drug trafficking organization to post information labeling Jonathan Acebedo-Garcia as a "rat." Acebedo-Garcia was fatally shot over a year ago in a Medellin, Colombia restaurant after reportedly turning on the drug cartel linked to Ryan Wedding. Chapman, who once played for the Calgary Royals and Drayton Valley Thunder in the AJHL during the 2008-09 season, has been cleared of previous criminal charges in Calgary, though police had suggested he led a local drug organization.
Background and Context
Ryan Wedding, a Canadian Olympic snowboarder, is alleged to have operated the international drug cartel in question. Chapman's connection to this case highlights the global reach of organized crime and the complexities of extradition processes between Canada and the United States. The upcoming bail review and extradition hearing will be closely watched as authorities seek to address serious criminal allegations spanning multiple jurisdictions.
