Irving was desperate to make drug deal

KELOWNA — The jury in the Joe Verma murder trial spent much of today hearing about how Brittney Irving was desperate to make a drug deal.

Irving, 24, disappeared in April 2010. Her body was later found off McCulloch Road. She had been shot to death. Verma is charged with first degree murder.

An associate and former lover of Irving, Brad Saari, has spent the last two days testifying about how he and Irving had been trying to secure a drug deal involving several pounds of marijuana. Saari, like Irving was both a marijuana grower and broker who helped organize drug deals for a fee.

Under cross examination Wednesday, Saari testified that he and Irving had been texting back and forth, trying to broker a marijuana sale.

Saari says Irving had texted him saying that she “needs work” and that she had enough money to purchase up to 70 pounds of marijuana, estimated to be worth $160,000.  They continued texting back-and-forth, trying to secure a deal in various amounts.

Irving was desperate for money to help pay legal costs after being arrested and charged in connection with a marijuana grow operation in Kelowna’s Mission.

Saari was one of the last people to see Irving alive. They had met in a Kelowna parking lot on April 6, 2010 when Saari gave her samples of marijuana destined for potential buyers.

The trial continues.