Accused drug dealers leave B.C. courts free men due to shortage of sheriffs
VICTORIA — A shortage of courthouse sheriffs has resulted in two accused drug dealers being freed without facing justice, sparking an uproar in British Columbia’s legislature with the Opposition New Democrats accusing the government of cost-cutting during a deadly overdose crisis.
Mike Farnworth, the NDP’s public safety critic, said Thursday it’s outrageous two men accused of cocaine and heroin trafficking did not face trial because there weren’t enough sheriffs available to protect and monitor the courtrooms.
He said the accused heroin dealer was smiling when the Victoria judge told him Wednesday he was free to leave the court. Last week, cocaine trafficking charges against a Victoria man were stayed when a sheriff was not available to be present in the courtroom.
“It sickens the public,” said Farnworth. “Can the attorney general tell this house why her government would rather see this drug dealing thug, accused drug dealing thug, walk free than ensure there are enough sheriffs in the courtrooms of British Columbia.”