Montreal drug trafficking trial: defence says client’s rights compromised after Crown, lawyer’s intimate relationship

A major drug trafficking trial is in jeopardy as the prosecutor who had been working on the file had a relationship with one of the former defence lawyers.

A major drug trafficking trial is in jeopardy before it even begins as the prosecutor who had been working on the file had a relationship with one of the former defence lawyers.

The current defence team is arguing their client’s right to a far trial has been compromised.

The lawyers for seven accused in an illicit online cannabis trafficking network were in court today, but the focus of the hearing wasn’t the accused but rather the relationship between defence lawyer Mathieu Rondeau-Poissant and Crown prosecutor Alice Bourbonnais-Rougeau.

Court documents reveal the two had an intimate relationship between last December and last May. On Wednesday, the defence requested access to all text messages and emails between the two, saying it’s necessary to understand how this relationship could have tainted the case since both lawyers were party to pre-trial discussions.

Bourbonnais-Rougeau is on medical leave and was unable to testify.

Although both lawyers are no longer working on the case, some of the defence team argues the relationship has compromised the ability for their clients to get a fair trial.

The case stems from a major operation by Quebec provincial police in January 2024 that resulted in 10 arrests and the seizure of drugs, cash and cryptocurrency.

The suspects are accused of conducting $15 million in transactions through an illegal network with links to organized crime.

The hearing is expected to continue for two more days.