'Disgraced' police officer's role dooms charges in $30M drug bust
Jason Proctor
CBC
February 14th, 2024
Read the full story here.
Jason Proctor
CBC
February 14th, 2024
After seizing more than $30 million worth of drugs, cash and weapons three years ago, Victoria police congratulated themselves on the arrests of three men they called members of an organized fentanyl trafficking ring — one of them a paroled murderer.
Today the case lies in tatters. Charges against all three were quietly stayed following the revelation that the initial probe included an officer who was himself under criminal investigation.
The fate of Project Juliet is detailed in court documents claiming investigators tried to hide the fact "disgraced former Victoria police officer" Rob Ferris was involved in the investigation by claiming it began in June 2020 when it actually started more than a month earlier.
"Not only did police not mention the first investigation, they obscured it," Justice Catherine Murray wrote.
"Through their actions investigators misled the Crown, defence and the justices that issued authorizations and warrants into believing that the investigation commenced in June 2020."
Read the full story here.