The case involving a Nova Scotia doctor charged with drug trafficking returned to court on Wednesday.
Dr. Sarah Jones did not appear in Bridgewater court, but those who have lost family members to prescription drugs were waiting outside, holding signs and armed with a powerful message.
Dr. Jones was charged in February for drug trafficking after police allege that she prescribed 50,000 opiate pills to a patient who never received them.
Karen Belliveau lost her son, Josh Graves, five years ago after he took the prescription drug dilaudid at a party.
“It just broke my heart and brought a lot of fear knowing that many drugs can be diverted,” says Belliveau. “There’s too many of these powerful drugs on the street and there has to be an end to it.”
Gerri Scott, who also made a stand outside of the courthouse, says she lost her grandson in 2011 to prescription drugs.
“We don’t know where they went, or who they went to, or who they are,” says Scott.
Another woman, Tamara Ballard, says her son passed away at 22 years old.
“Just because it comes from a doctor’s prescription pad, doesn’t mean it’s safe to take,” says Ballard.
The women are membersof Get Prescription Drugs Off The Street, a group aimed at raising awareness of the dangers of prescription drug abuse. Wednesday, they stood outside of the court hoping their presence would help spread their message.
Dr. Jones’ defense lawyer Stan MacDonald stood on her behalf in court on Wednesday, saying he’s still waiting for some disclosure of evidence.
“All criminal allegations are serious, but what I hope people will remember is the presumption of innocence is in place, remains in place,” says MacDonald.
The allegations have not yet been proven in court, but people are demanding education, justice, and accountability.
The case will be set aside until June 8.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Kayla Hounsell.
