The charges against a former Winnipeg Blue Bomber who was arrested in major drug bust almost six years ago has had the charges against him dropped by a Manitoba judge.
Justice Chris Martin ruled that the case against Eddie Blake took too long to get to trial and issued a stay of proceedings.
Blake was charged in September 2004 with conspiracy to produce methamphetamines, as part of a major nation-wide police operation.
"This case was an immense undertaking by police," wrote Justice Martin. "It required special consideration and diligence by the Crown to ensure it did not become stale and was not crushed by the sheer weight of its bulk. I do not mean to criticize the Crown, and the purpose of this analysis is not to ascribe blame, but the delay is inordinate."
Blake's trial was scheduled to proceed in January and February 2011.
