Suspended Halifax Rainmen player facing drug, weapons charges

Tyler Richards arrives at Halifax provincial court on Dec. 19, 2013. (CTV Atlantic)

A member of the Halifax Rainmen basketball team accused of assault is facing additional charges after police seized drugs and a weapon Wednesday evening.

Police executed a search warrant at an apartment in the 100 block of Connor Lane around 10:15 p.m. They seized a quantity of cocaine, marijuana, cash and a loaded handgun during their search.

Tyler Bradley Richards, 27, and Marcus Demitries James, 23, both of Halifax, were arrested at the scene without incident.

Both men are facing charges of possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking and weapons-related offences.

The pair were held in custody overnight and appeared in court on Thursday.

Richards, who plays with the Rainmen, remains behind bars but his lawyer hopes the prosecution will reconsider its opposition to bail.

“At this point, it’s a very early stage in the proceedings…I think there’s a good chance that the Crown will change their tune tomorrow,” said Lyle Howe on Thursday.

Richards was suspended from the team without pay earlier this week after being charged in connection with an alleged assault at a downtown nightclub on the weekend.

Richards and James are both due back in court Friday for bail hearings.