Three men facing separate drug trafficking charges arising from an undercover RCMP investigation targeting street level cocaine dealing earlier this year, pled not guilty in Okotoks court Nov. 4.
Neil Peter Florentine, 57, appeared in court and pled not guilty to three counts of trafficking a controlled substance. The case will go to trial Oct. 3, 2012 at which time two charges of fail to comply with condition of undertaking or recognizance, which he has not yet pled to, will be addressed.
Riley Kenneth Dodds, 19, appeared in court and also pled not guilty to three counts of trafficking a controlled substance. The case will go to trial Nov. 8, 2012.
Roger Stanley Krushell, 40, pled not guilty to three counts of trafficking a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking. The matter goes to trial Nov. 22, 2012.
Okotoks RCMP and the Calgary RCMP federal drug unit launched an undercover investigation to target street level drug trafficking in late spring and early summer. Undercover officers bought small amounts of crack and powder cocaine from dealers in Okotoks. Police seized about $900 worth of cocaine, including 5.5 grams of crack and 3.1 grams of powder cocaine.
The investigation has netted one conviction so far. Christopher Edeaus Krushell, 39, pled guilty to a single count of trafficking a controlled substance Sept. 30 and received a one-year jail sentence.
Another suspect charged in relation to the investigation will appear in court for the first time Nov. 15. Naydene Leslie Mills, 44, faces two counts of trafficking a controlled substance and two counts of possession of the proceeds of crime.
