Close X
Friday, September 27, 2024
ADVT 
National

B.C. Cocaine Wholesaler Who Led 'Double Life' Gets Four Years In Prison

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 19 Mar, 2015 11:10 AM

    KAMLOOPS, B.C. — A cocaine wholesaler who had $140,000 stuffed into a wall at his home as part of what RCMP called a gang-linked dial-a-dope operation has been handed a four-year prison sentence.

    Jean-Claude Auger had a middle-class upbringing and was a well-liked neighbour but he led a “double life" selling large amounts of cocaine to a drug-trafficking ring, said B.C. Supreme Court Justice Hope Hyslop.

    “Drugs were bound for the street and he knew this,” Hyslop said. “His motive was greed, with little regard to what this would do to others.”

    Auger pleaded guilty to conspiracy to traffic cocaine and possession for the purpose of trafficking.

    When his four-year sentence was read in court, Auger’s girlfriend broke down in tears. He showed little emotion as he was away by a sheriff.

    Auger and seven other men were arrested in 2012, and police said they were part of the United Nations gang.

    Defence lawyer Chris Thompson argued for house arrest, saying his client made a remarkable effort to change his life.

    Auger spent $22,000 on counselling, including a video tell-all project with a local media outlet, complete with confessions available for viewing on the Internet.

    Hyslop commended Auger’s actions after his arrest, as well as efforts to re-establish himself as a personal trainer and martial-arts instructor.

    “Mr. Auger has come a long way in his life and I take that into consideration."

    But, she added, a message must be sent about drug dealing at his level.

    As part of his sentence, Auger must forfeit his Lexus, which he drove during his drug dealings. He will also be banned from owning firearms for 10 years.

    Five couriers in the operation are expected to plead guilty later this year.

    The Crown alleges two other men — Richard Crawford and Steven Currie — owned and managed the operation. Their trial is also scheduled to begin in the coming months.

    Charges include operating as part of a criminal organization.(Kamloops This Week)

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Group Takes B.C. To Court In Bid To Freeze Plans For Ski Resort Town

    Group Takes B.C. To Court In Bid To Freeze Plans For Ski Resort Town
    VANCOUVER — A B.C. environmental group is set to begin court proceedings next week in a bid to block the development of a controversial ski resort.

    Group Takes B.C. To Court In Bid To Freeze Plans For Ski Resort Town

    Misbehaving Parents Blamed For Lack Of Hockey Refs

    Misbehaving Parents Blamed For Lack Of Hockey Refs
    VICTORIA — Minor hockey officials on Vancouver Island say there aren't enough referees in the sport, and they're blaming misbehaving parents for the problem.

    Misbehaving Parents Blamed For Lack Of Hockey Refs

    Fair trial in question for Ottawa man linked to 2007 triple homicide

    Fair trial in question for Ottawa man linked to 2007 triple homicide
    OTTAWA — A man facing charges in the alleged robbery of a 101-year-old war veteran heads to court Friday with an even darker legal cloud on the horizon — one that at least one expert says has tainted the case against him.

    Fair trial in question for Ottawa man linked to 2007 triple homicide

    Family of 15-year-old Quebec girl strip-searched at school to sue school board

    Family of 15-year-old Quebec girl strip-searched at school to sue school board
    MONTREAL — The lawyer representing the family of a 15-year-old girl who was strip-searched at a Quebec City high school says they intend to take the school board to court.

    Family of 15-year-old Quebec girl strip-searched at school to sue school board

    A Canadian grant turns into a political weapon against Hillary Clinton

    A Canadian grant turns into a political weapon against Hillary Clinton
    WASHINGTON — Hillary Clinton's political opponents are jumping upon a grant from the Canadian government and holding it aloft as evidence of her alleged conflicts of interest.

    A Canadian grant turns into a political weapon against Hillary Clinton

    Saskatchewan RCMP say they've found man wanted in suspected homicide, abduction

    Saskatchewan RCMP say they've found man wanted in suspected homicide, abduction
    CREIGHTON, Sask. — Police say they have found a suspect in the fatal shooting of a man and the abduction of a 17-year-old girl in northern Saskatchewan.

    Saskatchewan RCMP say they've found man wanted in suspected homicide, abduction