Update Thursday 4:00 p.m.
The trial for accused Okanagan drug dealer Ethan Dillon wrapped up today without him.
Crown lawyer Clarke Burnett said he finished presenting evidence today and the judge reserved her decision until next week.
Dillon, who is representing himself in court, was a no-show.
West Kelowna RCMP issued a bulletin Thursday morning requesting the public’s assistance in locating him.
Police say he was last heard from by family on Wednesday.
Dillon is described as a Caucasian male, 22 years of age, 6 feet tall, approximately 160 lbs, with red hair and green eyes. He was believed to be wearing a grey pair of jeans.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Ethan Dillon is urged to contact their local police, or remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, leaving a tip online at www.crimestoppers.net or by texting your tip to CRIMES (274637) ktown.
ORIGINAL STORY:
It was years three ago when border authorities intercepted a large quantity of drugs sent from China — destined for an address in West Kelowna.
The package contained nearly 13 kilograms of a chemical called MDEA, which has effects similar to ecstacy.
Three people were charged, including a young Kelowna man named Ethan Dillon, who was 19 at the time.
Dillon’s trial for trafficking was supposed to get underway Monday in Kelowna court, and the Crown was certainly ready.
Officials from the Canada Border Services Agency from the Lower Mainland were present and ready to testify, as were several police officers.
But the trial failed to get off the ground because Dillon was a no-show.
An arrest warrant was issued for him. Officers found Dillon in Peachland where he was literally dragged out of bed and driven to the Kelowna courthouse in cuffs.
He showed up Monday afternoon, telling the judge he thought the trial was supposed to start Tuesday. He mentioned to the judge that he hoped to have his mother and brother in the courtroom for support.
Dillon, who is representing himself, offered no apology to the court and indicated that he wasn’t ready for his trial because he left all his legal documents at home in Peachland.
The trial finally began late Monday afternoon and is scheduled for four more days.
Dillon remains in custody.
If Dillon is found guilty, he could be looking at jail time.
One of his alleged partners, Steven Allen, pleaded guilty a few months ago and was sentenced to 18 months in prison.
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