AYLMER MOUNTIE FACING DRUG CHARGES

HALIFAX -- A suspended RCMP officer accused of dealing drugs has
chosen to have his case heard by a judge alone.

Const. Joseph Daniel Ryan, 31, a former RCMP officer in Tantallon,
N.S. now living in Aylmer, Que., was arrested by fellow officers in
Halifax in January. Before his arrest, Ryan had been picked to join
the security detachment for Prime Minister Jean Chretien in Ottawa.

Now, he is charged with trafficking marijuana and has been suspended
with pay. Ryan is also charged with stealing less than $5,000 from a
teenager in Halifax County, and breach of trust. Ryan's preliminary
inquiry is to begin next June 16 in Halifax. He is now free on bail.