On February 24, 2017, the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service’s National Drug Enforcement Team charged a member of the Canadian Armed Forces with drug-related offences under the National Defence Act.
The charges relate to an investigation initiated in May 2016 into illegal drug activity at Canadian Forces Base Halifax. In December 2016, members of the National Drug Enforcement Team arrested the accused following a search of his private residence located off base in Halifax Regional Municipality.
Leading Seaman Kristopher Stow, a member of HMCS Montreal, faces:
- one count of possession for the purpose of trafficking under section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, punishable under section 130 of the National Defence Act;
- two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking under section 4(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, punishable under section 130 of the National Defence Act; and
- one count of resisting arrest under section 129(a) of the Criminal Code of Canada, punishable under section 130 of the National Defence Act.
Quotes
“The National Drug Enforcement Team is dedicated to investigating crimes associated with illegal drug activity in the Canadian Armed Forces. These charges are the result of ongoing investigative efforts by this specialized team to deter, detect and bring to justice those responsible for such activity.”
Lieutenant-Colonel Francis Bolduc, Commanding Officer, Canadian Forces National Investigation Service
Quick Facts
· During the search of the accused’s residence in December 2016, members of the National Drug Enforcement Team discovered 20 grams of suspected cocaine, 5.5 grams of suspected cannabis (marijuana), one gram of suspected methamphetamine (MDMA – commonly known as ecstasy), as well as packaging materials, a scale and drug paraphernalia.
· The matter is now proceeding in accordance with the military justice system for possible court martial at a date and location still to be determined.
· The Canadian Forces National Investigation Service has an important role to play in the eradication of illicit drug activity within the Canadian Armed Forces. The Canadian Forces National Investigation Service’s National Drug Enforcement Team is assigned this role and investigates allegations of drug offences by Canadian Armed Forces personnel to determine the facts, analyze the evidence and, if warranted, lay appropriate charges.
· The Canadian Forces National Investigation Service is a unit within the independent Canadian Forces Military Police Group whose mandate is to investigate serious and sensitive matters in relation to Department of National Defence property, Department of National Defence employees and Canadian Armed Forces personnel serving in Canada and around the world.
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Source: Media Release