Gregory Matthew Corriveau

The court sentenced Shadrack Oppong-Kyereme for importing 12.2 kilograms of heroin into Canada, contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

The sentencing reasons review the circumstances of the offence and the offender, the aggravating and mitigating factors, and the applicable sentencing principles.

The court considered the impact of systemic anti-Black racism on the offender’s moral responsibility, but found only a modest reduction in culpability.

After reviewing comparable case law, the court imposed a sentence of 15 years, with ancillary orders including a DNA order, weapons prohibition, and forfeiture.

The defendant, Samuel Osei-Tutu, was convicted by a jury of importing cocaine (2.8899 kg) and was before the court for sentencing.

The Crown sought a seven-year sentence, while the defence proposed 4.5 years (net 4 years) due to mitigating factors.

The court considered aggravating factors such as the quantity and commercial nature of the drug, and mitigating factors including the defendant's lack of a criminal record, strong community support, and prospects for rehabilitation.

The court also considered the impact of anti-Black racism on sentencing, as per R. v. Morris.

A sentence of 5.5 years (net 5 years after pre-trial credit) was imposed, along with ancillary orders.