The accused pleaded guilty to possession of opium for the purpose of trafficking.
The Crown sought 12 months imprisonment plus ancillary orders, while the defence sought 90 days.
The court imposed a 90-day intermittent sentence, finding that while denunciation and deterrence are important, rehabilitation of an addict-trafficker serves the public interest.
The court considered the accused's significant rehabilitative efforts, including methadone treatment and counselling, his lack of prior record, and the collateral consequences of deportation as a permanent resident.
The sentence was balanced to achieve custodial accountability while preserving ongoing addiction treatment.
