Pubdate: Sat, 11 Aug 2007 Source: Montreal Gazette (CN QU) Copyright: 2007 The Gazette, a division of Southam Inc. Contact: http://www.canada.com/montreal/montrealgazette/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/274 Author: Jasmin Legatos PELADEAU IN STATE OF SHOCK, LAWYER SAYS In Court To Face 3 Trafficking Counts A haggard-looking Anne-Marie Peladeau appeared in Quebec Court yesterday afternoon to face three counts of drug trafficking. The 42-year-old media heiress was arrested late Thursday at her Garnier St. apartment in the Rosemont district as part of a police investigation into her activities, Montreal police Constable Anie Lemieux said yesterday. The police report alleges that on Thursday and on July 26, Peladeau trafficked or was in the possession of heroin, cocaine and crack. The report also names another woman in the case, but it is unclear if this person is an accomplice. Neither Peladeau's lawyer, Nicole Giguere, nor Lemieux were able to give any details about the second person. Peladeau, the daughter of Quebecor Inc. founder Pierre Peladeau, is to have a bail hearing Tuesday. Speaking briefly with reporters after Peladeau's short court appearance, Giguere said her client is in a state of shock. Peladeau's appearance did not belie her fragile state. She looked drawn, her cheeks were sallow, her short spiky haircut was harsh and her sweater hung off her very thin frame like a badly draped curtain. This is not Peladeau's first run-in with the law. She pleaded guilty in December to four theft-related charges, one count of obstructing justice and another of attempting to obstruct justice. In March, she was arrested for shoplifting at a St. Denis St. bookstore. That same month she was placed on two years' probation after being convicted of trying to falsify a urine test while at a drug rehabilitation centre. In October 2006, Peladeau admitted to the court that between the media limelight and her family's estrangement, she has had a difficult time fighting her 25-year battle with drug addiction. Giguere said Peladeau is not seeking treatment, but does not rule out that possibility for the future. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek