Pubdate: Sat, 05 May 2007 Source: Winnipeg Free Press (CN MB) Copyright: 2007 Winnipeg Free Press Contact: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/502 CROWN SEEKS PRISON FOR OWNER OF DRUG LAB The owner of a massive clandestine drug lab put many Winnipeggers at risk -- from the harmful "designer" drugs he was making and of a potential explosion -- and should be sent to prison for six years, the Crown argued Friday. David Grace, 38, was found guilty last year of several drug charges stemming from a November 2002 raid on Valour Road. His dangerous drug operation was only the second of its kind ever found in Manitoba. The Crown is seeking a lengthy sentence for Grace as a means of sending a message that these types of drug operations will be taken seriously by the courts. The only previous case in Manitoba involved a Winnipeg man who got four years for running a smaller crystal meth lab in the downtown area. Defence lawyer Ian Garber is calling for a conditional sentence or even discharge for his client, who has no prior related criminal record. Queen's Bench Justice Lori Spivak will give her decision on June 13. Grace pleaded not guilty at trial based on evidence the lab wasn't fully operational at the time of the bust. But Crown attorney Ian Mahon called expert evidence that showed the operation meets the Criminal Code definition of being functional. On Friday, a U.S. expert on clandestine labs testified via closed circuit television and told court operations like Grace's can be quickly dismantled and re-established. Most of the evidence against Grace was shown through pictures and video, as justice officials dared not bring it to court for fear of blowing up the downtown Law Courts complex. Although it appeared unassuming from the outside, pictures show the main floor, basement and upstairs were filled with various chemicals. A book on "organic chemistry" was found laying on the only bed in the home, next to a large bottle of ether. Police say the lab was capable of producing ecstasy and GHB, which is also known as the "date rape" drug. There may have also been efforts underway to make crystal methamphetamine. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek