THUNDER BAY -- A drug trafficking trial that was expected to wrap up late last year will now likely last into late February.
The trial of John Harry Tsekouras, who is facing eight counts of trafficking and possession, briefly resumed on Tuesday at the Thunder Bay Courthouse after a nearly one month break.
The proceedings did not last long, as the case was adjourned because the defence lawyer, Joseph Wilkinson, was not present.
The trial is to resume on Wednesday morning and continue for the rest of the week. After that the case will be on hold until Jan. 28, with scheduled dates extending until Feb. 20.
The Crown told the court he still has multiple witnesses he intends to call to testify.
Tsekouras, 40, was arrested and charged along with 14 other people during the 2011 bust known as Project Dolphin. Police also allege he was the head of a criminal organization.
The trial began on Nov. 12 and was originally expected to take one month to present evidence.
However the case quickly fell behind schedule and it was adjourned on Dec. 12.
Tsekouras is currently free on bail.
A publication ban has been placed on all evidence in the case until the trial has been completed.
None of the allegations against the accused have been proven in court.
