Tara Kearsey
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (July 03/02) - A suspect wanted on cocaine trafficking charges in Yellowknife wants to waive his criminal charges here into British Columbia to plead guilty.

Norman Hache, 21, is wanted for two counts of trafficking cocaine resulting from the RCMP undercover investigation Project Getaway.

Hache's lawyer Clark Rehn appeared on his behalf in territorial court June 25 to speak to other charges his client is facing. Hache wants to enter guilty pleas in B.C. for impaired driving charges and driving while suspended in Yellowknife.

The Crown prosecutor's office in Yellowknife is currently debating as to whether it will allow Hache to waive its jurisdiction and allow the charges to be transferred to B.C. Crown prosecutor Scott Niblock said Hache's request is unusual.

"It would be an odd waiver," he said.

Hache has never appeared in court on the impaired driving-related charges, only Rehn has appeared on his behalf. According to Niblock, waivers are usually granted when an accused appears before the courts in the South and also faces charges in the North. The waiver would then be requested in order to bring all charges together for sentencing in one jurisdiction.

"As far as I know he doesn't have anything outstanding down South," said Niblock.

The Crown's office in Yellowknife is reviewing Hache's request.