On August 24, Justice Martha Zivolak acquitted Stockwoods client Erika Costa and her husband Joe Costa (separately represented by Dean Paquette) after a lengthy trial in relation to a shipment of cocaine-laced pineapple juice that arrived in Canada in late 2015. The Costas had been charged with importing and conspiracy to traffic the cocaine. The shipment of pineapple juice was addressed to and delivered to the Costas’ place of business, but Justice Zivolak found that the Costas were completely unaware of its illicit contents and that they were merely doing a favour for a friend. She found that there was “overwhelming” evidence of innocence. “They are long-standing, hard-working, law-abiding leaders in their community who acted innocently,” said Justice Zivolak. “They helped out a friend…There was nothing revealed to suggest anything more than that.” Ms. Costa was represented by Stockwoods partner Nader Hasan. For media coverage about the case, click here.
