Bail granted for woman charged in record meth bust

Bail was granted Tuesday to a 47-year-old woman charged in connection with what police say was the largest meth bust in city history.

Counsel for the accused secured release for a $5,000 cash deposit, with multiple conditions including a nightly curfew, a requirement to remain in Alberta, no alcohol and drugs, no contact with a co-accused, no possession of weapons, and no possession of devices like cellphones that can send electronic messages.

Shonna Scriven stands charged with two counts of drug possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of the proceeds of crime. Her next court appearance is set for Jan. 18.

Scriven was arrested in the early morning of Dec. 8, when the organized crime taskforce initiated a planned vehicle stop of the car she was driving just inside city limits on Highway 3.

In the trunk of the rental vehicle, police found 1.02 kilograms of methamphetamine and 226 grams of cocaine, worth an estimated $125,000.

Simultaneously arrested in Lethbridge was 28-year-old Michael Abate, who was charged with drug trafficking and possessing proceeds of crime.

The Federal Crown initially stated at Scriven’s first court appearance on Dec. 14 that they were opposed to the accused’s release. This stance changed, as Scriven’s coaccused was granted bail on Dec. 13 in Lethbridge.

Abate was released on $2,500 bail and conditions that he live in Surrey, B.C., and obey a nightly curfew. He was also prohibited from having any contact with Scriven.

Abate is charged with drug trafficking and possession of the proceeds of crime. His next court appearance is set for Jan. 22.

-- with files from the Lethbridge Herald