Man accused in largest ever local fentanyl seizure could have matters settled this month

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on June 9, 2023.

https://www.medicinehatnews.com@MedicineHatNews

The case against a man caught with $600,000 worth of fentanyl this winter in Medicine Hat could be resolved later this month with a guilty plea and a substantial prison sentence.

John Elford, 52, was arrested in the overnight hours of Jan. 28 as his vehicle sat askew across a parking stall curb in front of a fast food restaurant on Red Deer Drive in the city.

A subsequent search by Medicine Hat police officers turned up three long guns, nearly three kilograms of fentanyl, 83 grams of methamphetamine and about $3,200 in cash.

Police said at the time it was the largest local seizure of fentanyl on record.

A preliminary hearing was scheduled for Monday to determine if the Edmonton man should proceed to trial to face federal drug and weapons charges.

On Thursday, an agent of Elford’s defence attorney told court an adjournment was required but a resolution with prosecutors was close at hand.

A plea deal could result in a seven-and-a-half-year prison term.

The matter will return to Medicine Hat Court of Justice docket list on June 22 to be finalized with Elford’s attorney, Calgary-based Katherine Beyak, is available, it was determined.

10
-9