A seafood broker involved in an illicit marijuana operation uncovered by Nova Scotia RCMP in 2021 during a significant drug inquiry is claiming that over $133,000 discovered in a safe in his mother’s vehicle actually stems from his lawful business activities.
A federal prosecutor is urging a provincial court judge in Dartmouth, N.S., to mandate the forfeiture of the cash as proceeds of crime or “offence-related property” following Christian Strickland’s guilty verdict on cannabis and fraud charges, resulting in an 18-month conditional sentence.
The investigation into the grow-op in Popes Harbour on Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore emerged from a broader probe into money laundering and cocaine trafficking in the Halifax region, with the main target, Gary (Boo) Boudreau, 49, already convicted earlier this year.
During his sentencing hearing this summer, it was revealed that Strickland has been a lobster exporter for seven years. He informed CBC in September that he conducted substantial business in lobster, backed by bank records, and anticipates the return of the seized cash by law enforcement.
Evidence suggests that the grow-op was in its initial stages, with Strickland’s defense attorney, Pat MacEwen, stating in court this week that there is no evidence proving it generated any profits before being shut down.
MacEwen highlighted that there are still legitimate business operators in the province who deal in cash, maintain bank accounts, and run companies, implying that Strickland falls into this category.
Although not implicated in cocaine trafficking alongside Boudreau, Strickland was convicted of cannabis offenses for his involvement in an 81-plant grow-op near his lobster pound in Popes Harbour, as well as fraud and public mischief for falsifying a vandalism claim on his BMW.
The trial linking Strickland to the grow-op heavily relied on wiretaps authorized within the wider investigation. Testimony indicated discussions between Strickland and Boudreau regarding equipment for the grow-op, such as lights and heat pumps.
Despite wiretap evidence suggesting legal and illegal lobster and eel sales involving Strickland, no fishery charges have been brought against him. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans confirmed the absence of Fisheries Act charges against Strickland.
In response to the allegations, Strickland denied any fisheries or proceeds of crime charges, labeling the information unsupported and misleading. He asserted that the money seized was not illicit proceeds and criticized the portrayal of his actions in the media.
Following the discovery of the grow-op, police intercepted a conversation between Strickland’s mother and sister, leading to the seizure of approximately $133,000 from his mother’s vehicle on Jan. 6, 2021.
Federal prosecutor Len MacKay presented four police witnesses during the forfeiture hearing, with the defense expected to present additional evidence in the upcoming sessions.