Man accused of leading criminal organization granted bail

THUNDER BAY -- A local man accused of heading a criminal organization has been released on bail.

John Tsekouras, 38, has been charged with being the director of a criminal organization and trafficking cocaine and marijuana.

Justice Bruce Fitzpatrick gave his decision Tuesday morning at the Superior Court of Justice after a bail review hearing that took place over two days on Aug. 23 and 30.

Tsekouras was one of six people arrested in April through a police investigation named Project Dolphin, which also saw seven other people arrested in June 2011.

More than $2.1 million in illicit drugs and about $500,000 in cash and property were seized through the investigation.

Tsekouras is being represented by Toronto lawyer Edward Greenspan, who represented media baron Conrad Black.

None of the charges against the accused have been proven in court.