A 22-year-old Ester-hazy man who has spent nearly 18 months on remand facing numerous drugs- and weapons-related charges has pleaded guilty, but won’t be sentenced for another seven months.
In October 25, police raided a residence on Gonczy Avenue in Esterhazy seizing nearly five pounds of powdered cocaine, a pound of crack cocaine, several ounces of crystal methamphetamine, a large amount of cash and two firearms.
Sarwar Habib was arrested on two counts of possession of Schedule I drugs for the purpose of trafficking, and one count each of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, possession of a weapon obtained by crime, careless use of a firearm and possession of property obtained by crime.
He was denied bail in provincial court at the time due to the seriousness of the offences, the strength of the Crown’s case and the likelihood of substantial jail time should he be convicted.
More charges were added after the fact.
The Court of Queen’s Bench later upheld Habib’s remand after the defence filed for a bail review.
On March 15, Habib appeared at Court of Queen’s Bench in Yorkton where he pleaded guilty to two possession for the purpose of trafficking charges and one count each of possession of hydromorphone, possession of marijuana, poseession of the proceeds of crime and possession of a weapon while prohibited.
Due to scheduling issues, a sentencing date of October 11 was set, nearly two years to the day after his first court appearance on October 8, 2015.
