Man being held on drug smuggling charges getting lost in translation

PENTICTON – A man accused of drug smuggling and other related charges had his case delayed in Penticton court this morning in part because language barriers and lack of legal representation.

Alexis Joel Garcia Palomino does not speak English and required a Spanish translator today, April 20, as court sought to find out if Palomino had found counsel yet.

Palomino is charged with two counts of importing a controlled substance, possession for the purpose of trafficking, and failing to present himself to a customs office upon arrival. The charges stem from an incident that took place on March 17, 2016.

Palomino appeared via video, communicating through an interpreter who was represented in court via telephone. Palomino did not know whether counsel had been appointed him, nor did he know if counsel would appear on his behalf this morning.

A call to legal aid was disconnected without court finding out whether Palomino had representation or not.

Since legal representation couldn’t be confirmed, Palomino’s matter was adjourned until April 27.

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