Man charged in connection with fentanyl at Esgenopetitj pleads not guilty

A man charged after a pill containing fentanyl was found on Esgenopetitj First Nation,where the drug is suspected in a woman's fatal overdose, has pleaded not guilty on Tuesday.

Jesse Joe, 35, of Fredericton appeared in a Miramichi courtroom on Tuesday morning to faces charges of trafficking in a controlled substance and breach of probation.

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Joe elected a trial in provincial court, scheduled for Aug. 23, 24, 30 and 31. A fifth day might also be required.

Joe,who is represented by EdDerrah, also pleaded not guilty to a chargeof breaching his probation.

Judge Geri Mahoney remanded Joe back into custody until the trial.

A 60-year-old man fromEsgenopetitjFirst Nation, on MiramichiBay, was also arrested in connection with the case but wasreleased pending a later court appearance.

Police areinvestigating the death of a 35-year-old woman on April11onEsgenopetitjFirst Nation.

A Health Canada analysis confirmed a pill seized from Esgenopetitj First Nation contained fentanyl.

Health Canada describes fentanyl as a prescription painkiller about 100 times more powerful than morphine.

The pill seized by police after the fatal overdose on the reserve isblue and about one centimetre in diameter, with"Percocet5" written on it.