Bail denied for local man arrested after drug-trafficking investigation

Bail was denied Thursday for one of several Hatters arrested in early June following a police investigation into drug trafficking.

Levi Aebig appeared by closed-circuit TV from the Medicine Hat Remand Centre, with his lawyer failing to convince the judge that his client be released, despite an offer of $2,000 cash bail and plan for him to work on a farm outside the city.

Aebig faces four counts of trafficking heroin, four counts of trafficking meth, possessing the proceeds of crime, possessing a prohibited weapon and three counts of breaching a firearms prohibition order.

The charges stem from a police investigation where multiple drug purchases were made by an undercover officer throughout May.

Aebig’s next appearance is July 25.

A handful of others charged with drug trafficking by police in early June as part of the investigation also had brief appearances.

Defence counsel for Richard Strong requested an adjournment to July 20, as they wait for disclosure and look into possible early resolution.

Wrayne Wawia was granted an adjournment to Aug. 8., while Tammie Helem was granted an adjournment to Aug. 8. Michael Lariviere was granted an adjournment to Aug. 10.

Overall, the police investigation resulted in 11 arrests and the seizure of about $10,000 in meth, heroin, cocaine and marijuana.

Firearm charges

It was a brief appearance Tuesday for a man arrested in April after police seized a cache of firearms at an Irvine residence.

Denver Ryan Ailsby, 37, had his matters adjourned to July 26. Ailsby was arrested in April after police seized numerous firearms — including prohibited ones — and ammunition from an Irvine residence. Ailsby’s co-accused, Brandalyn Brandham, also had a court appearance, with her matters adjourned to Aug. 1.

Deceased accused

The Crown has officially ceased proceedings against a Red Deer man who passed away earlier this year.

Defence counsel representing the late Aaron Bodnaruk appeared before court Thursday, so the court could officially finish dealing with the charges the 31-year-old faced.

Bodnaruk was originally arrested in February of this year, after an investigation by Medicine Hat police led to a hotel room in the city's northwest netted fentanyl, oxycodone, cocaine and other drugs, as well as more than $5,000. The total value of that seizure is estimated at more than $17,000. Bodnaruk passed away in April.