THUNDER BAY - One of six people arrested in late February in connection to a drug trafficking investigation at a city motel has been granted release from custody following a bail hearing on Thursday.
Amon Chhetri, 20, of Toronto was arrested by Thunder Bay Police on Feb. 29 after officers were dispatched to a north Cumberland Street motel after receiving reports of possible assaults taking place. When officers entered the room believed to be connected to the assaults, they located several individuals and drugs including crack cocaine, cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl, according to a previous police media release.
A large knife and a large quantity of cash was also located inside the room by police.
Chhetri, Jaheim Barriner, 18, of Toronto and Udomsak Khotcharat, 21 were arrested and charged with several drug trafficking-related offences.
Three youths from the GTA, whose identities are protected in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act, were also arrested.
In a Thunder Bay courtroom on Thursday, Sept. 24, Chhetri appeared by audio from the Central North Correctional Centre for his bail hearing.
The details of the bail hearing including submissions made by lawyers and evidence heard are under a publication ban.
Justice of the Peace Bruce Leaman granted Chhetri to be released to his father who he must live with in southern Ontario. His father also promised to pay $5,000 in the event his son breaches any of his release conditions.
Chhetri isn’t allowed in the city of Thunder Bay except for court purposes. He also can’t have any contact with any of his co-accused.
Chhetri has been in custody since his arrest in February, according to his lawyer Amanda Somek.
His next court date is scheduled for early October.
