Key Takeaways
- Christian Strickland, a seafood broker, was found guilty of cannabis and fraud crimes and received an 18-month conditional sentence.
- Strickland claims that over $133,000 found in a safe in his mother’s vehicle is from his legitimate lobster export business.
- The money was seized by police during a large drug investigation in 2021, which also involved a major investigation into money laundering and cocaine trafficking.
- The prosecution is seeking to have the cash forfeited as proceeds of crime or "offence-related property".
- Strickland’s defence lawyer argues that there is no proof the money came from illegal activities and that Strickland has a legitimate business that operates in cash.
Introduction to the Case
A seafood broker, Christian Strickland, is claiming that over $133,000 found in a safe in his mother’s vehicle is from his legitimate lobster export business. This claim comes after Strickland was found guilty of cannabis and fraud crimes and received an 18-month conditional sentence. The money was seized by police during a large drug investigation in 2021, which also involved a major investigation into money laundering and cocaine trafficking. The prosecution is seeking to have the cash forfeited as proceeds of crime or "offence-related property".
The Investigation and Arrest
The investigation that led to Strickland’s arrest was an offshoot of a major investigation into money laundering and cocaine trafficking in the Halifax area. The chief target of this investigation was Gary (Boo) Boudreau, who was convicted earlier this year. Strickland was not accused of cocaine trafficking and was not jointly charged with Boudreau. However, he was convicted of cannabis offences after Judge Brad Sarson ruled that he had significant control over an 81-plant grow-op located near the lobster pound he operated in Popes Harbour.
The Evidence Against Strickland
The evidence against Strickland relied heavily on wiretaps authorized as part of the larger investigation. In one wiretap, Strickland could be heard discussing with Boudreau equipment for the grow-op, including lights and heat pumps. Additionally, there were "numerous calls" involving Strickland detailing both legal and illegal sales of lobster and lucrative juvenile eels. However, the lead investigator in the case, RCMP Sgt. Johnathan Brown, testified that he didn’t believe any fisheries charges were laid against Strickland.
The Seizure of the Cash
The cash in question was seized from Strickland’s mother’s vehicle on January 6, 2021, just hours after the grow-op was busted. Police intercepted a phone call between Strickland’s mother and sister, in which Strickland asked his mother to pick up the "same thing as last time" from his apartment. A police surveillance team was dispatched, and the mother was pulled over after she left the apartment. A suitcase containing a small safe was found in the back seat of the vehicle, and inside the safe was roughly $133,000.
The Forfeiture Hearing
The forfeiture hearing, which continues next month, has seen the prosecution call four police witnesses to testify. The defence will decide what evidence it might submit at the next hearing. Strickland’s defence lawyer, Pat MacEwen, argues that there is no proof the money came from illegal activities and that Strickland has a legitimate business that operates in cash. MacEwen stated that "clearly, there are still legitimate business people in this province who do operate in cash, who have bank accounts, who have companies" and that he suspects the evidence will show that Strickland’s business is one of them.
Conclusion
The case against Strickland highlights the complexities of proving the source of cash seized during a drug investigation. While the prosecution argues that the cash is proceeds of crime, Strickland claims it is from his legitimate business. The outcome of the forfeiture hearing will depend on the evidence presented by both sides, and it remains to be seen whether the cash will be forfeited or returned to Strickland.
