Law360 Canada (May 7, 2024, 1:01 PM EDT) -- Appeal by appellant from his conviction for possessing a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, unlawfully possessing a controlled substance, and possessing proceeds of crime exceeding $5,000. He argued that the trial judge improperly admitted and relied on police surveillance and opinion evidence adduced during blended voir dire. Calgary police came to suspect the appellant of trafficking drugs. They conducted surveillance and obtained a warrant to attach a tracking device to his car. The primary investigator responsible for the operation arranged for additional late-night surveillance. The appellant was observed parking his car at a Calgary strip mall. He met Ghotra, who had brought his family's minivan. The men got into the minivan. Ghotra drove east out of Calgary and met up with a semi-trailer truck. Police observed the appellant speaking with the driver of the truck. Both vehicles proceeded to a dimly lit truck wash lot. The appellant and Ghotra then transferred items from the semi-trailer to the minivan. Police stopped Ghotra and the appellant as they drove back to Calgary. The men were arrested on drug trafficking charges. Large quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine were discovered in the minivan they were driving. Police searched the appellant's car and discovered more cocaine and methamphetamine, as well as opium and more than $38,000 in cash....