A new charge of jumping bail has been laid against one of two Canadians charged with trying to bring a meth-lab-in-a-box across the Aldergrove border crossing.
The new charge was filed against Lola Crystal McKay, 24, on Dec. 12, a week after she failed to show up for a scheduled appearance before a Whatcom County Superior Court judge in Bellingham to set a date on Dec. 5.
Court records show McKay didn’t actually post bail, but was allowed to go free on a promise to return.
However, under Washington State, law, someone “who fails to appear or who fails to surrender for service of sentence as required is guilty of bail jumping” which is a Class B Felony, which can result in a prison term of up to ten years, a fine of up to $20,000, or both.
McKay and Calum James Buchanan, 40, both from Chilliwack, were arrested at the Aldergrove border crossing on Sunday, Nov. 23 after U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers discovered what they described as a portable meth lab inside a 1994 Pontiac Grand Am.
After a U.S. customs officer became nauseated and vomited after breathing fumes from some plastic wrapped storage containers in the car, the crossing was shut down in both directions for about an hour while a hazmat team removed the chemicals.
The officer, who was transported to hospital, made a full recovery.
Buchanan is scheduled to stand trial Jan. 26.
If convicted of possession of meth chemicals with intent to manufacture, the pair could face a prison sentence of up to 10 years and a fine of up to $25,000 U.S.
