CORNWALL – Charges have been dropped against one of the four accused in a summer drug bust of people that allegedly had ties to the Hells Angels.
Frances Picken, 63, had been charged with possession of hydromorphone, possession of cocaine, trafficking in cocaine, trafficking in hydromorphone and possession of hash.
Public Prosecution Service of Canada spokesman Nathalie Houle told Cornwall Newswatch in an email, the charges against Picken were withdrawn because there was no reasonable prospect of conviction.
The matter was last heard on Sept. 27, 2016.
The Crown has to access the case at every step to make sure the evidence provided will support a successful case, Houle explained.
There are three co-accused in the case after Cornwall police and O.P.P. searched homes on Adolphus Street, Anderson Drive and Prince Albert Street in mid-June.
Police said two of the accused were known members of the “13 Crew” – a support group for the Hells Angels.
Their cases will be heard later this month.