SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
The only person still in custody after RCMP raided so-called "drug dens" in December indicated Tuesday he's ready to plead guilty to possessing marijuana and property obtained by crime.

Staff Sgt. Craig Peterson, lead investigator for the drug raids last December, stands with the seizures from the day Matthew Jager was arrested. More than $32,000 in cash, 226 grams of marijuana, 85 grams of crack-cocaine, numerous weapons and drug-trafficking paraphernalia were found in multiple residences across Yellowknife. Jager has indicated he is ready to plead guilty possessing marijuana and property obtained by crime. - NNSL file photo

Matthew Jager, 30, is charged with two counts of possessing property obtained by crime and another count of possessing less than 30 grams of marijuana.

Eleven people were arrested in multiple locations around Yellowknife during the drug raids of Dec. 6. RCMP seized more than $32,000 in cash, 226 grams of marijuana, 85 grams of crack-cocaine, numerous weapons and drug-trafficking paraphernalia. All except Jager have been released on bail or had their charges withdrawn.

RCMP said the raids were intended to disrupt the '856' gang, based out of lower mainland B.C., which they say has been operating in Yellowknife, selling crack-cocaine since 2012.

None of the allegations against anyone arrested in the raids have been proven in court.

Jager, who appeared in territorial court Tuesday afternoon via video from jail after attending court the day before in person, was ready to plead guilty to a charge of possessing marijuana and a single charge of possessing property obtained by crime, his lawyer said.

But Bradley Demone, Crown prosecutor for the case, said his office had mistakenly elected to proceed by indictment on all of Jager's charges, meaning they'd have to re-arrange the paperwork before Jager can officially plead guilty.

Securing a conviction by indictment can often mean stronger sentences.

Demone said the Crown intends to proceed by indictment only on Jager's property charge.

Both lawyers agreed to adjourn the matter until April 23, when it's likely Jager will be sentenced. Peter Harte, Jager's defence lawyer, told the court he may be bringing up an application that day asking for more credit for the time his client served in jail waiting for his sentence.

Jager was up for a bail review on Monday, but Harte said that it was mistakenly scheduled.

Harte told the court his client had opted out of the automatically scheduled bail review but the documents never made it to the courthouse in time.

Those awaiting trial for indictable offences while in custody are eligible for a bail review every 90 days, according to the Criminal Code. Jager has voluntarily remained in custody since his arrest on Dec. 6.

According to RCMP, Jager is originally from Calgary. He appeared ill on Monday, holding his stomach in the prisoner's box of the courtroom.

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