Supreme Court
Decision Information
Summary: Court found taxi driver facilitated sale of one gram of cocaine by putting two undercover officers in connection with actual trafficker. No evidence driver received monetary reward, but activity was outside scope of job of taxi driver. Court found driver sincere, honest and decent man with no criminal record and who helps others in community. But that Canadian courts consistently impose sentences of imprisonment for trafficking no matter size or type of drug or type of offender to emphasize need for general deterrence. Street level sale of narcotics is a major problem in Yellowknife. Necessary to send a message to others they can expect to go to jail.
Decision: Sentence determined - Seven months imprisonment
Subjects: Criminal law - Sentencing - Considerations on sentencing
Criminal law - Drug offences - Trafficking
Criminal law - Parties to offence - Aiding and abetting