QUESNEL MAN RELEASED ON $200,000 BAIL

The Quesnel senior citizen accused of crashing the border into Canada with
millions of dollars worth of cocaine was released on $200,000 bail Monday.

Surrey Provincial Court Judge Bill Stewart said Robert Norton Allaire, 67,
is to reside in his Quesnel home, report to his bail supervisor at least
once a week, surrender his passport and not apply for another.

He is to stay in B.C., not use any cellphones, pagers or weapons. The judge
also asked that he make his court appearances in person. Allaire had been
in custody since his arrest on Nov. 21.

He is charged with importing a controlled substance and possession for the
purpose of trafficking. If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of
life in prison, but rarely ever is such a stiff penalty handed out.

Crown counsel had asked that Allaire remain in custody.

Allaire is accused of crashing through the U.S.-Canada border at the
Pacific Highway crossing in Surrey, after he was pulled over by U.S.
authorities.

It's alleged he drove through Surrey to Aldergrove where he was arrested
without incident by Langley RCMP.

Police discovered 149 kilograms (327 lb.) of packaged cocaine in the trunk
of his rented car. The street value of the bricks of cocaine seized is
estimated at more than $12 million. It's the largest cocaine seizure in
recent B.C. history.

The judge turned down a request from defence lawyer Michael Kline who asked
that Allaire's next court appearance be in the new year. "The serious
nature of this case necessitates this to move forward," said Stewart.

Allaire, who was supported by his partner in the courtroom, will make his
next court appearance Dec. 20.