NNSL (Jan 10/97) - An Alberta man facing three drug trafficking-related charges has been denied bail.

Territorial court judge Michel Bourassa ordered the 43-year-old Edmonton man held in custody despite the Crown and defence lawyers agreeing on release terms.

Crown lawyer Scott Cooper and defence lawyer Lloyd Stang suggested that the man be released to his parents in Edmonton on $15,000 bail.

But Bourassa wasn't convinced the deal would guarantee the man's return to the North for a court date.

"The offence is a serious one ... and I'm not persuaded to free the man," said Bourassa.

The other man, 40 years old and also of Edmonton, is hoping to get an Alberta lawyer to represent him and has been remanded in custody.

RCMP arrested both men during a raid on a city apartment Dec. 21. Police say they seized more than a kilogram of hash and marijuana, drugs worth an estimated $25,000 when sold on the street in small quantities.

Both men are expected to appear in court next Tuesday to set a date for a preliminary inquiry into a series of charges of possession and trafficking of narcotics.