Man expecting prison after guilty plea on drug charge
By Delon Shurtz on October 2, 2021.
LETHBRIDGE HERALDDdshurtz@lethbridgeherald.com
A Lethbridge man charged with multiple offences following a drug bust in the city last year is expecting to go to prison, his lawyer told a judge Thursday.
Nicholas Stephen Galbraith pleaded guilty Thursday in Lethbridge provincial court to one count of drug possession for the purpose of trafficking methamphetamine, and will likely be sent to a federal penitentiary after he is sentenced later this year, Calgary lawyer Tonii Roulston said.
The matter has been adjourned to Nov. 25 when court will hear the facts of the case, and Crown and defence will provide the judge with their recommendations for sentencing.
Although facts have not been read in court, police reported that on Mar. 24, 2020 they searched a vehicle, as well as a home in the 2900 block of 12 Avenue South, a detached garage in the 1000 block of 12 B Street South, and a detached garage on Temple Boulevard West. A man was arrested at the southside garage and a woman at the residence.
Police reportedly seized 450 grams of methamphetamine worth about $27,000, nearly $1,000 worth of cocaine, about $3,400 in cash, drug paraphernalia, two conducted energy weapons, three brass knuckles, bear spray, an airsoft gun that looks like an assault rifle, a stolen snow blower, electronics and several used prepaid Visa cards.
Galbraith, 35, was charged with two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking, four counts of possession of a prohibited weapon contrary to an order, three counts of knowingly possessing a prohibited/restricted weapon, possession of stolen property under $5,000, and possession of the proceeds of crime under $5,000.
Hope Victoria Ann Pogue, 25, of Lethbridge, was also charged with two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking, two counts of unauthorized possession of a prohibited/restricted weapon, possession of stolen property under $5,000 and possession of the proceeds of crime under $5,000.
She did not enter any pleas Thursday, and her charges were also adjourned to Nov. 25 when they will likely be spoken to.
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