EX-DEEJAY CLEARED OF DRUG CHARGES

A former Winnipeg radio personality was cleared of drug charges
yesterday, ending a nearly three-year-long ordeal that's caused her
some serious static. "It's been a complete nightmare for myself and my
family," said Joanne Cochrane, a former afternoon deejay with Power
97. "I'm just happy that it's over, and happy that now everyone knows
I had nothing to do with any of it."

Ecstasy pills

Cochrane left the station under a cloud after being slapped with
several drug charges during a June 2001 raid at a home she was renting
on Country Club Boulevard.

Cops seized about $28,000 in cash from the home, as well as a then
record number of ecstasy pills and a relatively small grow operation.

The same bust resulted in the arrest of three men -- one of whom
entered guilty pleas to the same charges Cochrane was cleared of yesterday.

Christopher Tyler MacLeod, 31, pleaded guilty to one charge of
possession of ecstasy for the purpose of trafficking and one charge of
production of marijuana, netting a two-year-less-a-day conditional
sentence and a $1,000 fine.

A roommate of Cochrane's at the time, MacLeod was apparently holding
on to the pills for a friend and told police right away that Cochrane
had no knowledge of the drugs whatsoever.

"(MacLeod) was telling the police this right off the bat," said Hymie
Weinstein, Cochrane's lawyer.

"All defence lawyers on occasion say their clients are innocent, but
here there's no question."

After yesterday's hearing, Cochrane exchanged emotional embraces with
friends and family members, whose "unconditional support" she credits
with helping her get through the last few years.

Cochrane's working at a radio job in Yellowknife, N.W.T., but says she
wouldn't be opposed to making a return trip to local airwaves.

"I'd love to be back on the radio in Winnipeg," she said.