A Quebecer accused of a plot to transport cocaine by seaplane was finally repatriated to the country, where he appeared this Saturday to face a host of criminal charges.
“OK, thank you,” said Benoît David, during his brief appearance by videoconference at the Montreal courthouse on Saturday.
Wearing a t-shirt adorned with a flag and looking quite tired, the 55-year-old accused did not flinch when he learned that the federal Crown prosecutor, Mr.e Mariam Brochu, had opposed any release because of the serious accusations filed against him.
According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, David was part of a group that conspired to transport cocaine from Montreal and Toronto to Newfoundland. Everything was supposed to be done by seaplane, but authorities intervened last summer, seizing the aircraft, as well as ten kilograms of cocaine, three firearms and approximately $32,000.
Five people allegedly conspired to transport cocaine by seaplane from the Toronto and Montreal areas to St. John’s, Newfoundland. The aircraft was seized, as well as ten kg of cocaine, three firearms and approximately $32,000. Courtesy: Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Courtesy Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Wanted around the world under an international arrest warrant, David was finally apprehended by Interpol in the city of Santiago in Chile. However, the procedures dragged on, so much so that we had to wait until last Friday for the suspect to land in Quebec.
In addition to drug trafficking conspiracy, he is also charged in connection with unauthorized possession of firearms.
The federal Crown wants him detained
He appeared from the Southern Operational Center of the Montreal police. As is customary, he did not enter a plea. He will return to court next week, so that the date of the investigation for his release can be set.
” That [me] will give him time to meet you,” assured him his lawyer, Mr.e Andrew Galliano, during the hearing.
Until then, David will be transferred to the Montreal Detention Center, commonly known as the “Bordeaux prison”.
In late January, another defendant, Adham Haouili, 43, was arrested in Mexico and faces extradition proceedings. Until then, he will remain detained.
A 58-year-old woman, Judith Zayas-Bazan, was repatriated from the United States to face justice here, while William Thomas Webber and Michaël Duguay-Halle, 45 and 43, are awaiting trial. The latter is out on bail.
