A Brampton defence lawyer found himself on the opposite side of the courtroom on Wednesday, testifying about why he deserves to be released from jail despite allegations he helped an international drug lord murder an FBI witness.

Deepak Paradkar, 62, is a “substantial” risk to flee Canada if granted bail, Department of Justice attorneys Milica Potrebic and Heather Graham argued on behalf of U.S. prosecutors. The Americans are opposing Paradkar’s release, saying that his ties to the alleged billion-dollar transnational drug organization of fugitive ex-Olympian Ryan Wedding make the lawyer a danger to the community, while the prospect of life in U.S. prison makes him likely to flee.

“Mr. Paradkar, it’s an unusual position for you to be in the courtroom,” Superior Court of Justice Peter

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