There may be a resolution in the case against an Alberta man facing drug charges after North Battleford RCMP seized 17 kg of drugs from his SUV.
Lowen Diehl, 36, was arrested during a traffic stop on Highway 16 on Dec. 7, 2020.
When police searched his SUV they found a large amount of Canadian currency, about 15 kg of methamphetamine, about one kg of cocaine, a small amount of fentanyl and one kg of an unidentified substance. Police say the methamphetamine equals about 150,000 individual doses and the cocaine equals about 1,000 individual doses.
A lawyer appearing for Diehl on Feb. 11 requested a four-week adjournment to review further disclosure received. The Crown and Defence may reach a joint submission.
Diehl’s matter is now scheduled in North Battleford Provincial Court on March 11.
Federal Crown Prosecutor Kirsten Janis from Saskatoon asked the court to issue a bench warrant to hold against Diehl to preserve jurisdiction.
On Jan. 15, 2021, Diehl was released from custody in Saskatchewan on $10,000 cash bail and a $10,000 surety. His bail conditions stipulate he must remain at his home in Alberta on 24-hour house arrest.
The following week, on Jan. 19, 2021, Diehl had an appearance in Edmonton Provincial Court on charges out of Alberta. He was sentenced to six months in jail for dangerous driving, followed by 12 months of probation. He was additionally given 12 months probation on charges of possession of drugs. Several charges were dropped including possession for the purpose of trafficking, two counts of failing to comply with a release order and possession of property under $5,000.
