A White Rock man facing drug trafficking and possession charges on the East Coast may have his case transferred to B.C.
According to officials, the lawyer for Arlen Nathan Hodge advised the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador during an Oct. 3 appearance that the request was being considered.
Hodge was arrested in St. John’s, Nfld. in May 2015, in connection with ‘Project Titan’ – an investigation that led to what police described as “one of the biggest drug busts” in Newfoundland and Labrador’s history.
At a press conference announcing the arrest, Const. Dave Emberley of the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit told reporters five search warrants resulted in the seizure of 10 kilograms of cocaine, 300 pounds of marijuana and two kilograms of a marijuana derivative known as ‘shatter’.
Hodge, 41 at the time of his arrest, was released from custody in June 2015 following a bail review. A preliminary inquiry held over two days last January resulted in Hodge being committed to stand trial.
No plea has been entered and a trial date has not been set.
His next court date, described as a “status appearance,” is scheduled for Dec. 1.