Calgary Man's Defence Challenges U.S. Drug Cartel Allegations in Court
The legal team representing alleged Calgary drug kingpin Allistair Chapman has launched a vigorous defence against what they describe as a "flimsy" and "non-existent" case brought by U.S. authorities. Chapman, who was arrested in connection with an international drug cartel bust last November, is seeking release on bail pending an extradition hearing that could see him face charges in California.
Defence Counsel Questions Strength of Evidence
During proceedings at Calgary Court of King's Bench, defence lawyer Noel O'Brien presented arguments before Justice Paul Jeffrey that challenged the foundation of the U.S. case against his client. O'Brien specifically targeted the statement of facts provided by the Canadian Department of Justice on behalf of American counterparts, stating it fails to justify Chapman's continued detention.
"It's weak, it's flimsy," O'Brien told the court, emphasizing what he perceives as significant gaps in the prosecution's evidence. "I consider the case ... as not only flimsy, but non-existent."
Alleged Connections to Major Drug Operation
Chapman was among thirteen individuals arrested in November as part of a sweeping U.S. Department of Justice operation targeting what authorities describe as a massive drug trafficking organization. The investigation culminated in the arrest of Ryan Wedding, whom U.S. FBI director Kash Patel has labeled a modern-day El Chapo.
However, O'Brien presented a compelling argument that distinguishes his client from others arrested in the operation. "There's no suggestion Mr. Chapman had any role in this Wedding operation," the lawyer stated. "Everyone else named all seem to have some role except Mr. Chapman."
Specific Allegations and Defence Counterarguments
The U.S. case against Chapman includes serious charges of drug conspiracy and conspiracy to commit murder, specifically related to the fatal shooting of informant Jonathan Acebedo-Garcia in a Colombian restaurant in January 2025. O'Brien systematically addressed these allegations:
- No evidence establishes Chapman's involvement in Wedding's drug trafficking organization
- No proof connects Chapman to the plot to murder Acebedo-Garcia
- No documentation shows any agreement regarding criminal activities
The defence acknowledged that Chapman allegedly paid the owner of the Dirty New website to publish information about Acebedo-Garcia being an informant while avoiding coverage of Wedding's organization. However, O'Brien maintains this doesn't constitute evidence of direct involvement in the cartel's operations.
Bail Proposal and Risk Assessment
O'Brien proposed strict conditions for Chapman's release, including placement into the custody of his parents who have offered to post a $500,000 non-cash surety. The lawyer argued that Chapman poses minimal flight risk based on several factors:
- He has lived in Calgary for most of his life
- He maintains no connections to foreign financial resources
- He has strong community ties through his family support system
Background and Community Connections
Chapman, who played for both the Calgary Royals and Drayton Valley Thunder of the AJHL during the 2008-09 hockey season, has become a central figure in what ALERT has dubbed "Project Arbour." His arrest represents a significant development in cross-border law enforcement efforts targeting international drug trafficking networks.
The proceedings before Justice Jeffrey continue, with submissions expected to extend into Wednesday afternoon as both sides present their arguments regarding Chapman's detention status and the strength of the extradition case against him.
