A picture of Kelvin McCallum in 2022, at the time he was sentenced for the death of his infant son. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Court proceedings

Alleged drug trafficker with ‘horrendous’ record, denied bail

Apr 18, 2024 | 3:00 PM

Less than six months after returning to the community, having served a lengthy sentence for manslaughter, a man was found with cocaine, meth, multiple weapons and over $1,200 in cash.

Those details were heard Thursday morning during a bail hearing at Prince Albert Provincial Court. In relation to an incident that occurred in Sandy Bay on April 12, Kelvin McCallum Jr. has been accused of possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of property obtained by crime, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and possession of a firearm while prohibited.

According to facts read by Prosecutor Brent Slobodian, RCMP had pulled over a white SUV, and McCallum who was the driver and lone occupant, was asked to provide his license and registration.

However, while doing so McCallum appeared very nervous and was shaking, and so police conducted a further review and discovered McCallum’s criminal record which includes convictions for drug trafficking, carrying a concealed weapon and manslaughter (2022).

Denying he had consumed any drugs or alcohol, McCallum became agitated when informed he was being detained.

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However upon searching McCallum, police found a small bag in his front shirt pocket, containing crack cocaine. A large amount of cash, totalling over $1,200 was found in his pants pocket.

During the arrest and subsequent search of the vehicle, police found multiple small bags containing cocaine, meth, and a substance believed to be ecstasy. The street value of the drugs was estimated to be over $8,000.

A photo of the items seized. (RCMP)

Several edged weapons were also found in the vehicle, as well as baseball bats and what appeared at first glance to be a .357 handgun under the driver’s seat. It was later determined that it was a metal BB gun which used hollow bullets.

As part of a statement McCallum later provided to police, he confessed to being a hard drug user. He explained the drugs found were for personal use, and as he was planning to visit Sandy Bay from Prince Albert for an undetermined amount of time, had wanted to have enough supply.

McCallum’s reason for being in Sandy Bay was to reconnect with family and tidy up his mother’s grave.

McCallum also mentioned the cash found had been won while playing VLT’s; and the BB gun was for shooting stray dogs in the community, citing an incident where his young daughter had been bit.

Defence lawyer Dallas Charles argued for McCallum to be released on bail and cited charter issues related to the search and detention. He also noted his client was eager to set the case for trial.

In turn, Slobodian claimed to have a very cogent case and stated the arresting officer had very meticulous and was well within his rights to search McCallum. And further noting the amount of drugs found, Slobodian said McCallum’s claim it was for personal use, was just not believable.

Noting every person is presumed innocent when they come to court, and have a right to bail, Judge McKenzie described McCallum’s record as horrendous. He also noted the gun found was clearly more for intimidation than it was for shooting dogs.

And while sympathizing with the obstacles indigenous people face in Northern Saskatchewan, and the fact jails are already quite full, McKenzie ultimately denied McCallum’s release.

Among the reasons was McCallum’s previous convictions for failing to comply with court orders.

“And that shows a pattern of an inability to comply,” McKenzie said.

And further noting the public danger that comes with drug trafficking, and the ongoing issues already being felt in Sandy Bay, McKenzie stated his belief the public would be appalled to hear McCallum was released.

The case was adjourned to May 9.

In June 2022, McCallum received a six year and four month sentence for the death of his infant son. However with time spent in remand, McCallum had roughly a year and six months left to serve.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell