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Rob King committed to trial on ephedrine export charges

The owner of Heavyweights Fitness has been ordered to stand trial on three charges related to the export of ephedrine.

Heavyweights Fitness owner facing 3 counts under Controlled Drugs and Substances Act

The owner of Heavyweights Fitness has been ordered to stand trial on charges related to the export of ephedrine.

Rob King is facing three charges under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
Rob King of Heavyweights Fitness is pictured in a March 2013 file image. (CBC)

The preliminary inquiry into the charges wrapped up last month.

Judge James Walsh ruled in provincial court Tuesday morning that there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial.

There is a publication ban in place on the evidence heard at the preliminary inquiry, and the reasons for the judge's decision.

In a March 2013 interview with CBC News, King insisted that the police investigation lacked substance.

"I’ve done nothing wrong, and I’m getting smeared everywhere for something I didn’t do," King said at the time.

Last fall, the Crown opted not to proceed with potential money-laundering and proceeds of crime charges.

But King could face up to 10 years in prison for illegally shipping ephedrine across the Canada-U.S. border.

Ephedrine is a legal but heavily-restricted product. It is officially sold as a nasal decongestant, but used by bodybuilders and athletes as a fat burner and appetite suppressant.

Health Canada says a licence is required to export Class A drugs such as ephedrine.

There has been no date yet set for King's trial.