Mishall RehmanA member of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) was charged with drug-related offences by the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service’s National Drug Enforcement Team on Feb. 24.
Leading Seaman Kristopher Stow, a member of HMCS Montreal, faces one count of possession for the purpose of trafficking under section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, punishable under section 130 of the National Defence Act. He also faces two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking under section 4(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, punishable under section 130 of the National Defence Act.
Additionally, Stow has been charged with one count of resisting arrest under section 129(a) of the Criminal Code of Canada, punishable under section 130 of the National Defence Act.
“The National Drug Enforcement Team is dedicated to investigating crimes associated with illegal drug activity in the Canadian Armed Forces. These charges are the result of ongoing investigative efforts by this specialized team to deter, detect and bring to justice those responsible for such activity,” said LCol. Francis Bolduc, Commanding Officer, Canadian Forces National Investigation Service.
The charges come as a result of an investigation that was initiated in May 2016 looking into illegal drug activity at CFB Halifax. In December, the National Drug Enforcement Team searched Stow’s residence and discovered 20 grams of suspected cocaine, 5.5 grams of suspected cannabis (marijuana), one gram of suspected methamphetamine, along with packaging materials, a scale, and drug paraphernalia.
The matter is proceeding according to the military justice system for a possible court martial. The date and time location have not yet been determined.
