Wikipedia photo
An Edmonton man with a history of drug trafficking convictions has been sentenced to seven years in prison for possessing a cocktail of deadly drugs for the purpose of sale, with a judge citing the need to denounce the “dangerous and deadly activity” of dealing substances like fentanyl.
Curtis James Workman, 53, was sentenced on Nov. 7 in the Court of King’s Bench for offences dating back to March 2023. The sentence comes after he was found guilty at trial of possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, GHB, and MDMA, along with several identity-related crimes.
In her decision, Justice C.L. Arcand-Kootenay emphasized the severe harm caused by the drugs Workman was peddling, particularly fentanyl.
“Our courts denounce trafficking,” Justice Arcand-Kootenay stated. “My sentence should express the community’s wish to repudiate such conduct as a dangerous and deadly activity that warrants severe punishment.”
The court heard that Workman was arrested in connection with a stolen vehicle. During the arrest, police found a drug dealer’s kit on his person and in a backpack in the car: 1.6 grams of cocaine, 14.9 grams of fentanyl mixed with another drug, 23 grams of methamphetamine, 150 ml of GHB, 3 grams of MDMA, and $2,683 in cash. He was also in possession of a forged Quebec driver’s licence and was using the identity of a man named Dallas Gach.
The Crown prosecutor argued the operation showed “planning and foresight” and was “commercial trafficking on more than a minimal scale,” a characterization the defence did not dispute.
A significant factor in the harsh sentence was Workman’s extensive criminal record, which the judge called “significantly aggravating.” He has three prior sets of convictions for drug trafficking, for which he was sentenced to a total of nine years in prison.
Justice Arcand-Kootenay agreed with the Crown that Workman’s moral culpability was high, noting the enterprise involved multiple cell phones, a large amount of cash, saleable quantities of drugs, and a “delivery vehicle.” The judge found there were no mitigating factors in the case.
While defence counsel sought a global sentence of four years and ten months, citing Workman’s struggles with addiction and the recent death of his wife which led to a relapse, the court was not swayed.
“The accused has made minimal efforts, if any, at rehabilitation,” the Justice noted, acknowledging his addiction but stating it did not lessen his responsibility.
The Crown sought a seven-year sentence, arguing that the starting point for fentanyl trafficking is six years, and that the presence of multiple other drugs and his record justified an increase.
Justice Arcand-Kootenay agreed, imposing a seven-year sentence for the fentanyl trafficking, with concurrent sentences for the other drugs and identity offences.
With credit for nine months of time already served in pre-trial custody, Workman has six years and three months remaining on his sentence.
The court also issued a lifetime firearms prohibition and ordered the forfeiture of all offence-related property.
news@criminalsamongus.ca
