Judge grants bail to alleged dealer connected to Saskatoon overdoses

One of three people charged with selling a lethal combination of cocaine suspected to be laced withfentanyl in Saskatoon has been released on bail.

Police alleged Azam Kabaniand two other men, Shervin Beeharry and Jagmanjot Grewal, sold large quantities of cocaine, fentanyl and other drugs.

Police believe the cocaine and fentanylmixture the trio was allegedly selling is responsible for a string of overdoses in Saskatoon last week that left threepeople dead.

Fentanyl is a powerful opiate, stronger than morphine and can be deadly.

Kabaniwill plead not guilty: lawyer

Kabani, 19,was the first of the three to have a bail hearing. After a lengthy hearing, a judge granted him $7,500 cash bail.

The details of that bail hearing areunder a publication ban.

Outside of court, his lawyer Mark Brayford said his client will plead not guilty and his case will more than likely head to trial.

Kabani is from Burnaby, B.Cand as a part of his release condition, a judge ordered he live there with his father.

Kabanialso can't have contact with his co-accusedBeeharryandGrewal and has been barred from using a cellphone.

Kabani will not be allowed back in Saskatchewan unless it is for a court appearance. His next court date is April 30.

Three deaths, three hospitalized

A 25-year-old woman and a 48 year-old woman who were found overdosing on the300 block of Avenue W N. both died last week.

Another 31-year-old man also died of an overdose. At least four other people overdosed over the weekend.

Saskatoon policeare considering whether murder charges are warranted in connection with the deaths.

Police released the street nameLilJoe or Joe Broand the phone number ofthe alleged drug dealer who they suspect is responsible.

The number has since been disconnected.