Suspected drug trafficker with 'terrible' record denied bail | saskNOW

McCallum denied using drugs or alcohol and became upset when he was told he was being arrested.

However, when police searched McCallum, they found a small bag of crack cocaine in his breast pocket. A large amount of cash, totaling over $1,200, was found in his pants pocket.

During the arrest and subsequent search of the vehicle, police found several small baggies containing cocaine, meth and a substance believed to be ecstasy. The street value of the drugs was estimated at over $8,000.

Several edged weapons were also found in the vehicle, as well as baseball bats and what at first glance appeared to be a .357 pistol under the driver's seat. It was later discovered that it was a metal BB gun that used hollow bullets.

As part of a statement McCallum later gave to police, he admitted to being a heavy drug user. He explained that the drugs found were for personal use and that he wanted to have enough supplies as he was visiting Sandy Bay from Prince Albert for an indefinite period of time.

McCallum's reason for being in Sandy Bay was to reconnect with his family and clean up his mother's grave.

McCallum also mentioned that the money found was won playing VLTs; and the pellet gun was used to shoot stray dogs in the community, citing an incident in which his young daughter had been bitten.

Defense attorney Dallas Charles argued for McCallum to be released on bail, citing charter issues surrounding the search and detention. He also noted that his client was eager to take the case to trial.

Slobodian, for his part, claimed he had a very strong case, saying the arresting officer had been very careful and was well within his rights to search McCallum. Slobodian further pointed to the amount of drugs found and said McCallum's claim that they were drugs for personal use was simply not credible.

Judge McKenzie noted that every person is presumed innocent when they come to court and has a right to bail, and described McCallum's record as terrible. He also noted that the weapon found was clearly intended for intimidation rather than shooting dogs.

And while McKenzie was sympathetic to the obstacles facing Indigenous people in northern Saskatchewan and the fact that prisons are already quite full, McKenzie ultimately opposed McCallum's release.

The reasons included McCallum's previous convictions for failing to comply with court orders.

“And that shows a pattern of inability to comply,” McKenzie said.

McKenzie also noted the public danger posed by the drug trade and the ongoing problems already felt in Sandy Bay, saying he was convinced the public would be horrified to hear that McCallum was released.

The case was adjourned to May 9.

In June 2022, McCallum received a sentence of six years and four months in prison for the death of his young son. However, because of the pretrial detention, McCallum still had about a year and six months left to serve.

—

[email protected]

On X: @nigelmaxwell