Drug Dealer Sentenced to 10 Years for Trafficking in Ontario

A judge in Sault Ste. Marie has sentenced 28-year-old drug dealer Isaac Oppong to ten years in federal prison for trafficking dangerous narcotics in northern Ontario. The sentencing, which took place on September 29, 2023, follows Oppong’s arrest during a police check on December 7, 2019, where authorities seized 1.96 kilograms of cocaine and several other drugs, including significant quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine. The estimated street value of the drugs is between $100,000 and $130,000.

Oppong’s criminal activities continued after his initial arrest. On January 7, 2021, he was apprehended again in Thunder Bay, where police discovered 12.7 grams of fentanyl valued at $6,300. Additionally, they found a shopping bag containing $40,000 in cash, a digital scale, and four cell phones in his residence. Superior Court Justice Michael Varpio noted that the presence of such a significant amount of cash suggested that Oppong was involved in substantial narcotics sales, indicating he was not merely a low-level trafficker.

Community Impact and Judicial Remarks

Justice Varpio addressed the broader implications of Oppong’s sentencing, highlighting the ongoing drug epidemic in northern Ontario. He stated, “Our communities are being hurt by the prevalence of fentanyl in particular.” Sault Ste. Marie, in particular, has been grappling with an opioid crisis, as reflected in the numerous court cases involving fentanyl. The judge referenced local media coverage and noted that the city was featured on the national television program W5 for its severe drug problem.

The prosecution sought a ten-year sentence, taking into account the seriousness of the offences, while the defence argued for a lesser sentence of eight years. They also requested credit for 261 days Oppong spent in custody and the hardships he faced during that time. Ultimately, Justice Varpio determined that the combined circumstances warranted a total sentence of ten years: seven years for the Wawa incident and three years consecutively for the charges in Thunder Bay.

Path to Rehabilitation and Sentencing Details

Although Justice Varpio imposed a substantial sentence, he acknowledged several mitigating factors in Oppong’s case. The judge highlighted that Oppong had pleaded guilty, had no prior criminal record, and came from a challenging background. His completion of 118 programs during his time in custody indicated a commitment to rehabilitation.

In addition to the prison sentence, the judge also instituted a lifetime weapons prohibition and mandated that Oppong provide a DNA sample for the national registry. With the credit he received for time served, Oppong is expected to spend an additional five years and seven months behind bars.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive drug issues facing communities in northern Ontario, underscoring the need for continued efforts to address the challenges surrounding drug trafficking and its impacts on public health and safety.