Drug trafficking case clouded by prosecutor-defence lawyer affair

A Quebec judge is deciding if an affair between a prosecutor and defence lawyer has compromised a drug trafficking case against 10 men.

A group of 10 accused in a drug trafficking case are about to find out if charges against them will be dismissed.

At the centre of the debate is whether a prosecutor and one of the defence lawyers became too close in the eyes of the law.

The 10 men were arrested in January 2024 for allegedly running a network to grow and distribute large quantities of cannabis.

At least one defendant has argued that their actions were not criminal, saying they simply ignored the law that gives the SQDC a monopoly on cannabis sales.

But the defence alleged that one of their lawyers, Matthieu Rondeau Poissant, was involved in an intimate relationship with prosecutor Alice Bourbonnais-Rougeau. She initially denied the affair to her superiors, but later admitted it.

Other defendants, through their lawyers, argue the conflict of interest is so serious that the charges should be stayed against everyone.

On Wednesday in court, defendant Jonathan Seguin, who is representing himself, questioned the deputy chief prosecutor, who acknowledged he had suggested that the two lawyers be prevented from discussing the case together.

The defendants contend that was not enough, saying there is a risk the evidence is already tainted.

Both lawyers have since been sidelined as the judge continues to hear arguments on whether the case against all 10 accused should be dismissed.