The offender, Barna Olvedi, was convicted after trial of importing fentanyl and possession of fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking.
The court considered the gravity of the offences, particularly the importation of 499.5 grams of 100% pure fentanyl citrate with an estimated street value of over $14 million, and the devastating impact of fentanyl in the community.
Aggravating factors included the quantity, purity, and powder form of the drug, the financial motivation (greed), and wilful blindness.
Mitigating factors included no prior criminal record at the time of the offence, cooperation with police, post-conviction remorse, reluctance to accept delivery due to threats, and excellent rehabilitation potential.
The Crown sought 17 years, while the Defence proposed 8-12 years.
The court imposed a sentence of 15 years' imprisonment for importing fentanyl and a concurrent sentence of 12 years' imprisonment for possession for the purpose of trafficking, along with forfeiture of $10,759.37 and a fine in lieu of forfeiture of $34,240.63, and mandatory victim fine surcharges.
