MONTREAL - Five years ago the RCMP and other police forces carried out one of the largest anti-mafia raids in Canadian history, dubbed Operation Coliseum.
Most of the dozens of people arrested have already been tried and convicted, except for one Montreal woman who is arguing that she has waited too long for her day in court.
The prosecution claims the mafia recruited Marilyn Beliveau, 31, because she held a sensitive position at the Canada Border Services Agency head office in Old Montreal.
Beliveau, who worked in customs, is accused of clearing the paperwork for drug shipments sent to Canada usually by closing her eyes on cargo which would normally face inspection at various ports of entries into the country.
Beliveau was charged with corruption, but because the drugs were imported by a criminal organization she is also charged with gangsterism and conspiracy.
"The maximum [penalty] would be life for conspiracy charges," said Crown prosecutor Sabrina Delli Fraine.
However Beliveau's case has dragged on for five years without a trial, which Beliveau contends is too long.
She testified in court this week that "Nick Rizzutto had time to have his trial, do his time, and get murdered, while I'm still waiting."
The prosecution claims Beliveau herself is responsible for the delays, while her lawyers say their defence is complex, because of the major mob figures involved.
"It's always the same situation when you have major operations like that. Some are at the top of the pyramid, others are at the end of the operation," said Charles Montpetit.
The judge will rule Monday if the case will proceed to trial despite the delay.s
Beliveau is the second customs agent who was caught in the sting. Nancy Cedeno was convicted for knowingly letting drug couriers into the country at Trudeau Airport. Her sentence is currently under appeal.
