POLITICAL AIDE CHARGED WITH DRUG TRAFFICKING SAYS HE'S DONE 'NOTHING WRONG'

VICTORIA - A suspended B.C. government aide who was arrested twice on
drug trafficking charges this month walked out of court Tuesday saying
he's done nothing wrong.

Marshall Smith, 31, was released from custody after a bail hearing. He
pleaded not guilty to two charges of possession of crystal
methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking.

He did not enter a plea to a second round of charges: possession of
cocaine for the purpose of trafficking and possession of crystal
methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking.

Smith was ordered to appear in court again July 29, where it's
expected a trial date will be set for his first round of charges. He's
also expected to enter a plea for the second set of charges.

Smith left the courthouse wearing the same grey T-shirt and blue jeans
he wore when he appeared in court last week after his second arrest.
"Yes, I'll be back," he said. "Give me some space. Yes, of course I'm
released. I didn't do anything wrong."

Smith was on medical leave from his job as a Liberal government
ministerial aide when he was first arrested on Canada Day. Following
his first arrest, the government announced Smith was suspended without
pay.

Smith most recently worked for Murray Coell, the minister of
community, aboriginal and women's services. He has also worked for
Gulzar Cheema, former minister of state for mental health and Ted
Nebbeling, minister of state for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic bid.

Smith's second round of charges resulted from a routine traffic patrol
in the early hours of July 15, Victoria police said earlier.