Two men accused of ferrying a significant amount of drugs on Highway 16 east of Jasper, had their bails set at $10,000 each at Jasper Provincial Court recently. 

Eric Gelineau, a young man who lives with his parents in Coquitlam, B.C., and Taylor Nelson, also a young man from Coquitlam, B.C. were arrested on the side of Highway 16 east of Jasper on May 26, 2010. Police allege to have found a substantial amount of cocaine in the vehicle they were travelling in when it was searched. Both are charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and trafficking a controlled substance. 

Judge V. Myers said sometimes in drug couriering cases, a drug dealer will pay the bail of underlings so that they will then be indebted. They then use that debt to force the courier back into criminal activity. Dealers will often do this to people who do not have any significant assets, like Nelson, said Judge Myers.

Judge Myers said he wanted to make sure this situation was avoided with Nelson when he set his bail on July 8.

Nelson said he believed his step brother would be paying his $10,000 bail, but was unsure if that was definitely going to happen.

The bail will be paid in the form of an assurity and as long as Nelson follows certain court orders (a curfew, refraining from consuming alcohol, etc.), then the money will be returned.

Gelineau also had his bail set at $10,000 and has been ordered to follow the same conditions. His bail was set on June 24.

Initially, Gelineau’s bail was to be set at $20,000. Gelineau’s lawyer told the court that setting the bail at $20,000 would be too much for his client to bear. Even the $10,000 would be difficult for him to raise and may require Gelineau’s family to use their home as collateral.

“These are not people who are financially sophisticated,” said the lawyer.

“If you were to screw up, your parents would lose $10,000,” said Judge Myers to Gelineau.

“Sir, I wish you the best of luck,” the judge added as Gelineau was being lead out of court. “Don’t let your parents down.”

“I promise I won’t screw up,” said Gelineau. 

Gelineau appeared at Jasper Provincial Court with his mother on July 8 to enter a plea against his charges. However, that decision has been delayed until July 22 so that Gelineau may consult with his lawyers.