Drug Trafficking: Difference between revisions

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[[fr:Trafic_de_drogue]]
{{Currency2|January|2019}}
{{LevelZero}}{{HeaderElements}}
{{LevelZero}}{{HeaderElements}}
{{HeaderDrugs}}
{{HeaderDrugs}}
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{{quotation2|
{{quotation2|
; Definitions
; Definitions
2 (1) In this Act,
2 (1) In this Act,<br>
<br>...<br>
{{ellipsis}}
“traffic” means, in respect of a substance included in any of Schedules I to IV,
'''"traffic"''' means, in respect of a substance included in any of Schedules I to IV,
:(a) to sell, administer, give, transfer, transport, send or deliver the substance,
:(a) to sell, administer, give, transfer, transport, send or deliver the substance,
:(b) to sell an authorization to obtain the substance, or
:(b) to sell an authorization to obtain the substance, or
:(c) to offer to do anything mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b), otherwise than under the authority of the regulations.
:(c) to offer to do anything mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b), otherwise than under the authority of the regulations.
|[{{CDSASec|2}} CDSA]
{{removed|(2) and (3)}}
1996, c. 8, s. 35, c. 19, s. 2;
2001, c. 32, s. 47;
2017, c. 7, s. 1;
2018, c. 16, s. 194.
|{{CDSASec2|2}}
|{{NoteUpCDSA|2|1}}
|{{NoteUpCDSA|2|1}}
}}
}}
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The word "transport" is "not meant in the sense of mere conveying or carrying or moving from one place to another, but in the sense of doing so to promote the distribution of the narcotic to another.".
The word "transport" is "not meant in the sense of mere conveying or carrying or moving from one place to another, but in the sense of doing so to promote the distribution of the narcotic to another.".
<ref>
<ref>
''R v Harrington'', [1964] 1 CCC 189 (BCCA), [http://canlii.ca/t/gbd9r 1963 CanLII 675] (BC CA){{perBCCA|Bird JA}}{{atp|195}}
{{CanLIIRP|Harrington|gbd9r|1963 CanLII 675 (BC CA)|[1964] 1 CCC 189}}{{perBCCA|Bird JA}}{{atp|195}}
</ref>
</ref>


In creating the offence relating to drug trafficking, Parliament did not mean to include buyers of drugs.<ref>
In creating the offence relating to drug trafficking, Parliament did not mean to include buyers of drugs.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Bienvenue|gvnlq|2016 ONCA 865 (CanLII)}}{{TheCourtONCA}} {{atL|gvnlq|5}}
{{CanLIIRx|Bienvenue|gvnlq|2016 ONCA 865 (CanLII)}}{{TheCourtONCA}} {{atL|gvnlq|5}}
</ref>
</ref>


Line 30: Line 37:
==Offer to Sell==
==Offer to Sell==
Trafficking by offer under s. 2(2)(c) only requires that the crown prove an intent to make the offer. It is not necessary to prove that the accused had an intent to follow through with the offer.<ref>
Trafficking by offer under s. 2(2)(c) only requires that the crown prove an intent to make the offer. It is not necessary to prove that the accused had an intent to follow through with the offer.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Mamchur|g7hr1|1978 CanLII 1813 (SK CA)|, [1978] 3 WWR 481 (SKCA)}}{{perSKCA|Culliton CJ}}{{atp|483}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Mamchur|g7hr1|1978 CanLII 1813 (SK CA)|[1978] 3 WWR 481 (SKCA)}}{{perSKCA|Culliton CJ}}{{atp|483}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Jones|g8dzf|1988 CanLII 4871 (SK CA)|, (1988) 74 Sask R. 4 (SKCA)}}{{perSKCA|Vancise JA}} at 10<br>   
{{CanLIIRP|Jones|g8dzf|1988 CanLII 4871 (SK CA)|(1988) 74 Sask R. 4 (SKCA)}}{{perSKCA|Vancise JA}} at 10<br>   
{{CanLIIR|Campbell|1fqp4|1999 CanLII 676 (CanLII)}}{{perSCC|Binnie J}} at 25<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Campbell|1fqp4|1999 CanLII 676 (SCC)|[1999] 1 SCR 565}}{{perSCC-H|Binnie J}} at 25<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Murdock|6mdj|2003 CanLII 4306 (ON CA)|, 176 CCC (3d) 232}}{{perONCA|Doherty JA}} at 14<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Murdock|6mdj|2003 CanLII 4306 (ON CA)|176 CCC (3d) 232}}{{perONCA-H|Doherty JA}} at 14<br>
{{CanLIIR|Crain|fpw5n|2012 SKCA 8 (CanLII)}}{{perSKCA|Richards JA}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Crain|fpw5n|2012 SKCA 8 (CanLII)|285 CCC (3d) 235}}{{perSKCA|Richards JA}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Ralph|fm6v8|2011 ONSC 3558 (CanLII)|, [2011] OJ No 3156 (S.C.J.)}}{{perONSC|Belobaba J}}, aff’d on other grounds [2014] OJ No 13 (C.A.), [http://canlii.ca/t/g2grp 2014 ONCA 3] (CanLII){{perONCA|Rosenberg JA}} (3:0)<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Ralph|fm6v8|2011 ONSC 3558 (CanLII)|[2011] OJ No 3156 (SCJ)}}{{perONSC|Belobaba J}}, aff’d on other grounds [2014] OJ No 13 (CA), [http://canlii.ca/t/g2grp 2014 ONCA 3] (CanLII){{perONCA|Rosenberg JA}} (3:0)<br>
</ref>  
</ref>  
As such, there is no need to prove that the accused had drugs on themselves at the time or was capable of fulfilling the request.<ref>
As such, there is no need to prove that the accused had drugs on themselves at the time or was capable of fulfilling the request.<ref>
e.g. ''R v Petrie'', [1947] O.W.N. 601 (C.A.){{NOCANLII}} -- drugs offered weren’t available;<br>
e.g. {{CanLIIR-N|Petrie|, [1947] O.W.N. 601 (CA)}} -- drugs offered weren’t available;<br>
{{supra1|Murdock}} -- offer was withdrawn <br>
{{supra1|Murdock}} -- offer was withdrawn <br>
{{CanLIIRP|Sherman|gd9j6|1977 CanLII 1908 (BC CA)|, [1977] 5 W.W.R. 283 (BCCA)}}{{perBCCA|McFarlane JA}} -- offer was made for purpose of ripping buyer off<br>  
{{CanLIIRP|Sherman|gd9j6|1977 CanLII 1908 (BC CA)|[1977] 5 WWR 283 (BCCA)}}{{perBCCA|McFarlane JA}} -- offer was made for purpose of ripping buyer off<br>  
{{CanLIIRP-S|Reid|1mmhl|1996 CanLII 5213 (1996)|, 155 N.S.R. (2d) 368 (NSCA)}}{{perNSCA|Flinn JA}} -- no evidence that drugs were even available to seller<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Reid|1mmhl|1996 CanLII 5213 (1996)|155 NSR (2d) 368 (NSCA)}}{{perNSCA|Flinn JA}} -- no evidence that drugs were even available to seller<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Brown|htv8s|1953 CanLII 475 (BC CA)| (1953), 9 W.W.R. (N.S.) 701 (BCCA)}}{{perBCCA|O'Halloran JA}} -- drugs not on the seller<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Brown|htv8s|1953 CanLII 475 (BC CA)| (1953), 9 WWR (N.S.) 701 (BCCA)}}{{perBCCA|O'Halloran JA}} -- drugs not on the seller<br>
</ref>  
</ref>  


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The intent will depend on the presence of elements such as discussion of product, pricing and method of transaction.<ref>
The intent will depend on the presence of elements such as discussion of product, pricing and method of transaction.<ref>
e.g. {{supra1|Ralph}}{{atL|fm6v8|38}}<br>
e.g. {{supra1|Ralph}}{{atL|fm6v8|38}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|Burke|g71j5|2014 ONSC 3199 (CanLII)}}{{perONSC|Trotter J}}{{atL|g71j5|28}}<br>
{{CanLIIRx|Burke|g71j5|2014 ONSC 3199 (CanLII)}}{{perONSC|Trotter J}}{{atL|g71j5|28}}<br>
</ref>
</ref>


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An observed hand-to-hand transaction may be evidence of drug trafficking. Such circumstantial evidence will only be probative if innocent explanations can be excluded.<ref>
An observed hand-to-hand transaction may be evidence of drug trafficking. Such circumstantial evidence will only be probative if innocent explanations can be excluded.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|NO|22ms4|2009 ABCA 75 (CanLII)}}{{TheCourtABCA}}{{atsL|22ms4|41|, 42}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|NO|22ms4|2009 ABCA 75 (CanLII)|448 AR 253}}{{TheCourtABCA}}{{atsL|22ms4|41|, 42}}<br>
</ref>
</ref>


; Transfer for Safekeeping
; Transfer for Safekeeping
The transfer of drugs from one person to another for safekeeping will constitute trafficking.<Ref>
The transfer of drugs from one person to another for safekeeping will constitute trafficking.<Ref>
''R v Lauze'' (1980), 60 CCC (2d) 469 (QCCA)
{{CanLIIRP|Lauze|gdghl|1980 CanLII 2935 (QC CA)|60 CCC (2d) 469 (QCCA)}}{{perQCCA|Monet and Nolan JJA}}
</ref>
</ref>


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==Aiding or Abetting Drug Buyers==
==Aiding or Abetting Drug Buyers==
Where the accused is not proven to have trafficked in drugs, the only other way that they can be liable for trafficking is if they are guilty as a party under s. 21(1)(b) or (c) for trafficking.<ref>
Where the accused is not proven to have trafficked in drugs, the only other way that they can be liable for trafficking is if they are guilty as a party under s. 21(1)(b) or (c) for trafficking.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Poitras|1xv18|1973 CanLII 156 (SCC)}}{{perSCC|Dickson J}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Poitras|1xv18|1973 CanLII 156 (SCC)|12 CCC (2d) 337}}{{perSCC|Dickson J}}<br>
</ref>
</ref>


An "agent" for a purchaser or someone who "assists a purchaser to buy narcotics" will come into the definition of aiding or abetting under s. 21.<ref>
An "agent" for a purchaser or someone who "assists a purchaser to buy narcotics" will come into the definition of aiding or abetting under s. 21.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Greyeyes|1mb6s|1996 CanLII 5030 (SKCA)}}{{perSKCA|Cory JA}}{{atL|1mb6s|32}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Greyeyes|1mb6s|1996 CanLII 5030 (SK CA)|109 CCC (3d) 437}}{{perSKCA|Cory JA}}{{atL|1mb6s|32}}<br>
</ref>
</ref>
This includes "bringing together the source of supply and the prospective purchaser".<ref>
This includes "bringing together the source of supply and the prospective purchaser."<ref>
{{ibid1|Greyeyes}}
{{ibid1|Greyeyes}}
</ref>  It will unlikely to be sufficient if the assistance is "rendered solely to the purchaser".<ref>
</ref>  It will unlikely to be sufficient if the assistance is "rendered solely to the purchaser."<ref>
{{ibid1|Greyeyes}}{{atL|1mb6s|6}}<br>
{{ibid1|Greyeyes}}{{atL|1mb6s|6}}<br>
</ref>
</ref>
Line 87: Line 94:
==Opinion Evidence on Trafficking==
==Opinion Evidence on Trafficking==
To prove that someone was in possession of a controlled substance ''for the purpose of trafficking'', the Crown must call expert evidence to give an opinion that the circumstances allow for the inference that the possessor intended to traffic.<ref>
To prove that someone was in possession of a controlled substance ''for the purpose of trafficking'', the Crown must call expert evidence to give an opinion that the circumstances allow for the inference that the possessor intended to traffic.<ref>
E.g. See {{CanLIIR|Balla|g6tvk|2014 ABQB 127 (CanLII)}}{{perABQB|Yamauchi J}}{{atsL|g6tvk|50| to 62}}</ref>
E.g. See {{CanLIIRP|Balla|g6tvk|2014 ABQB 127 (CanLII)|583 AR 79}}{{perABQB|Yamauchi J}}{{atsL|g6tvk|50| to 62}}</ref>


See also: [[Expert Evidence]] for details on the law of expert evidence.
See also: [[Expert Evidence]] for details on the law of expert evidence.
Line 97: Line 104:
; Amount of drugs
; Amount of drugs
Trafficking can be inferred where the quantity/purity/value of drugs.<ref>
Trafficking can be inferred where the quantity/purity/value of drugs.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Le|4z5z|2001 BCCA 658 (CanLII)}}{{perBCCA|Rowles JA}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Le|4z5z|2001 BCCA 658 (CanLII)|160 CCC (3d) 146}}{{perBCCA|Rowles JA}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|Adelberg|4z5d|2001 BCCA 637 (CanLII)}}{{perBCCA|Hall JA}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Adelberg|4z5d|2001 BCCA 637 (CanLII)|159 BCAC 54}}{{perBCCA|Hall JA}}<br>
''R v L'Huillier'', [http://canlii.ca/t/1m2mt 1997 CanLII 9606] (NB Q.B.){{perNBQB|Riordon J}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|L'Huillier|1m2mt|1997 CanLII 9606 (NB QB)|501 APR 144}}{{perNBQB|Riordon J}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Falahatchian|6jkf|1995 CanLII 941 (ON C.A.)|, }}{{TheCourt}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Falahatchian|6jkf|1995 CanLII 941 (ON CA)|99 CCC (3d) 420}}{{TheCourt}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Naugler|2dbcr|1994 ABCA 110 (CanLII)|, }}{{perABCA|McFadyen JA}}<br>
{{CanLIIRx|Naugler|2dbcr|1994 ABCA 110 (CanLII)}}{{perABCA|McFadyen JA}}<br>
</ref>
</ref>


Where an accused is a user of drugs, there may be evidence suggestive that the drugs found in their possession may be consistent with personal use as opposed to trafficking. The amounts required to maintain the addiction and the habits of typical users are relevant. Either party is permitted to lead evidence concerning typical use, however, this usually takes the form of expert evidence.<ref>  
Where an accused is a user of drugs, there may be evidence suggestive that the drugs found in their possession may be consistent with personal use as opposed to trafficking. The amounts required to maintain the addiction and the habits of typical users are relevant. Either party is permitted to lead evidence concerning typical use, however, this usually takes the form of expert evidence.<ref>  
{{CanLIIR|Petavel|1q86k|2006 BCSC 1931 (CanLII)}}{{perBCSC|Barrow J}}</ref>  
{{CanLIIRP|Petavel|1q86k|2006 BCSC 1931 (CanLII)|BCJ No 3339}}{{perBCSC|Barrow J}}</ref>  


The amount of drugs ''alone'' cannot be used to establish trafficking.<ref>
The amount of drugs ''alone'' cannot be used to establish trafficking.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|McCallum|1nw48|2006 SKQB 287 (CanLII)|, (2006), 281 Sask.R. 272}}{{perSKQB|Krueger J}} at 28<br>
{{CanLIIRP|McCallum|1nw48|2006 SKQB 287 (CanLII)| Sask.R. 272}}{{perSKQB|Krueger J}} at 28<br>
{{CanLIIR|Mehari|25039|2009 ABPC 217 (CanLII)}}{{perABPC|Lamoureux J}}{{atL|25039|7}}</ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Mehari|25039|2009 ABPC 217 (CanLII)|475 AR 383}}{{perABPC|Lamoureux J}}{{atL|25039|7}}</ref>


Marijuana amounts in the range of 3 pounds have been found to be unreasonable to be considered consumable for personal use.
Marijuana amounts in the range of 3 pounds have been found to be unreasonable to be considered consumable for personal use.
<ref>
<ref>
''R v Brophy'' (W.) (1971), 3 N.B.R.(2d) 594 (CA){{NOCANLII}}</ref>
{{CanLIIR-N|Brophy| (W.) (1971), 3 N.B.R.(2d) 594 (CA)}}</ref>


Cocaine amounts of 1kg have been found to be unreasonable to be for personal use.<ref>
Cocaine amounts of 1kg have been found to be unreasonable to be for personal use.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Wilcox|g34rf|2014 BCCA 65 (CanLII)}}{{perBCCA|Kirkpatrick JA}}
{{CanLIIRP|Wilcox|g34rf|2014 BCCA 65 (CanLII)|9 CR (7th) 414}}{{perBCCA|Kirkpatrick JA}}
</ref>
</ref>


; Money
; Money
Large quantities of unexplained wealth can allow a judge to lead to the conclusion of trafficking. This is particularly true where cash is in small denominations and is found near drugs.<ref>  
Large quantities of unexplained wealth can allow a judge to lead to the conclusion of trafficking. This is particularly true where cash is in small denominations and is found near drugs.<ref>  
{{CanLIIRP|Alberts|1f9d9|1999 CanLII 2246 (ON C.A.)|, }}{{TheCourt}}<br>
{{CanLIIRx|Alberts|1f9d9|1999 CanLII 2246 (ON CA)}}{{TheCourt}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|Le|4z4b|2001 BCCA 694 (CanLII)}}{{perBCCA|Esson JA}}
{{CanLIIRx|Le|4z4b|2001 BCCA 694 (CanLII)}}{{perBCCA|Esson JA}}
</ref>
</ref>


; Packaging
; Packaging
Where packaging is found this may allow a judge to infer an intent to traffic. Packaging in numerous quantities, such as numerous  small baggies, can create such an inference. <ref>
Where packaging is found this may allow a judge to infer an intent to traffic. Packaging in numerous quantities, such as numerous  small baggies, can create such an inference. <ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Scott|6pkm|2003 CanLII 27446 (ON S.C.)|, }}{{perONSC|Watt J}}<br>
{{CanLIIRx|Scott|6pkm|2003 CanLII 27446 (ON SC)}}{{perONSC|Watt J}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|Kwok|58gl|2002 BCCA 177 (CanLII)}}{{perBCCA|Braidwood JA}} <br>
{{CanLIIRP|Kwok|58gl|2002 BCCA 177 (CanLII)|164 CCC (3d) 182}}{{perBCCA|Braidwood JA}} <br>
{{CanLIIR|Petavel|1q86k|2006 BCSC 1931 (CanLII)}}{{perBCSC| Barrow J}}
{{CanLIIRP|Petavel|1q86k|2006 BCSC 1931 (CanLII)|BCJ No 3339}}{{perBCSC| Barrow J}}
</ref>
</ref>
{{reflist|2}}
{{reflist|2}}
Line 139: Line 146:


Several cases have considered the methods of a dial-a-dope operation.<ref>
Several cases have considered the methods of a dial-a-dope operation.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Franklyn|4xd9|2001 BCSC 706 (CanLII)}}{{perBCSC|Henderson J}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Franklyn|4xd9|2001 BCSC 706 (CanLII)|50 WCB (2d) 548}}{{perBCSC|Henderson J}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|Tran|1vjxx|2007 BCCA 613 (CanLII)}}{{perBCCA|Saunders JA}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Tran|1vjxx|2007 BCCA 613 (CanLII)|250 BCAC 38}}{{perBCCA|Saunders JA}}<br>
{{CanLIIR|Tetreault|1wkzl|2008 BCSC 412 (CanLII)}}{{perBCSC|D Smith J}} -- Acquitted<br>
{{CanLIIRx|Tetreault|1wkzl|2008 BCSC 412 (CanLII)}}{{perBCSC|D Smith J}} -- Acquitted<br>
</ref>
</ref>
{{reflist|2}}
{{reflist|2}}
Line 147: Line 154:
==Other Conduct==
==Other Conduct==
The act of flushing cocaine down the toilet does not amount to trafficking.<ref>
The act of flushing cocaine down the toilet does not amount to trafficking.<ref>
{{CanLIIR|Scharf|h6mkl|2017 ONCA 794 (CanLII)}}{{TheCourtONCA}}<br>
{{CanLIIRx|Scharf|h6mkl|2017 ONCA 794 (CanLII)}}{{TheCourtONCA}}<br>
</ref>
</ref>


Latest revision as of 14:25, 14 July 2024

This page was last substantively updated or reviewed January 2019. (Rev. # 95396)

General Principles

See also: Drug Trafficking (Offence)

Section 2 of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act states:

Definitions

2 (1) In this Act,
...
 "traffic" means, in respect of a substance included in any of Schedules I to IV,

(a) to sell, administer, give, transfer, transport, send or deliver the substance,
(b) to sell an authorization to obtain the substance, or
(c) to offer to do anything mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b), otherwise than under the authority of the regulations.

[omitted (2) and (3)]
1996, c. 8, s. 35, c. 19, s. 2; 2001, c. 32, s. 47; 2017, c. 7, s. 1; 2018, c. 16, s. 194.

– CDSA (CanLII), (DOJ)

Note up: 2(1)

The word "transport" is "not meant in the sense of mere conveying or carrying or moving from one place to another, but in the sense of doing so to promote the distribution of the narcotic to another.". [1]

In creating the offence relating to drug trafficking, Parliament did not mean to include buyers of drugs.[2]

  1. ↑ R v Harrington, 1963 CanLII 675 (BC CA), [1964] 1 CCC 189, per Bird JA, at p. 195
  2. ↑ R v Bienvenue, 2016 ONCA 865 (CanLII), per curiam , at para 5

Offer to Sell

Trafficking by offer under s. 2(2)(c) only requires that the crown prove an intent to make the offer. It is not necessary to prove that the accused had an intent to follow through with the offer.[1] As such, there is no need to prove that the accused had drugs on themselves at the time or was capable of fulfilling the request.[2]

Trafficking by offer requires a) an offer to traffic in a narcotic and b) an intent to make an offer that will be taken as a genuine offer by the recipient.[3]

The intent will depend on the presence of elements such as discussion of product, pricing and method of transaction.[4]

  1. ↑ R v Mamchur, 1978 CanLII 1813 (SK CA), [1978] 3 WWR 481 (SKCA), per Culliton CJ, at p. 483
    R v Jones, 1988 CanLII 4871 (SK CA), (1988) 74 Sask R. 4 (SKCA), per Vancise JA at 10
    R v Campbell, 1999 CanLII 676 (SCC), [1999] 1 SCR 565, per Binnie J at 25
    R v Murdock, 2003 CanLII 4306 (ON CA), 176 CCC (3d) 232, per Doherty JA at 14
    R v Crain, 2012 SKCA 8 (CanLII), 285 CCC (3d) 235, per Richards JA
    R v Ralph, 2011 ONSC 3558 (CanLII), [2011] OJ No 3156 (SCJ), per Belobaba J, aff’d on other grounds [2014] OJ No 13 (CA), 2014 ONCA 3 (CanLII), per Rosenberg JA (3:0)
  2. ↑ e.g. R v Petrie, [1947] O.W.N. 601 (CA)(*no CanLII links) -- drugs offered weren’t available;
    Murdock, supra -- offer was withdrawn
    R v Sherman, 1977 CanLII 1908 (BC CA), [1977] 5 WWR 283 (BCCA), per McFarlane JA -- offer was made for purpose of ripping buyer off
    R v Reid, 1996 CanLII 5213 (1996), 155 NSR (2d) 368 (NSCA), per Flinn JA -- no evidence that drugs were even available to seller
    R v Brown, 1953 CanLII 475 (BC CA), (1953), 9 WWR (N.S.) 701 (BCCA), per O'Halloran JA -- drugs not on the seller
  3. ↑ Murdock, supra, at p. 238
  4. ↑ e.g. Ralph, supra, at para 38
    R v Burke, 2014 ONSC 3199 (CanLII), per Trotter J, at para 28

Hand-to-Hand Transactions

An observed hand-to-hand transaction may be evidence of drug trafficking. Such circumstantial evidence will only be probative if innocent explanations can be excluded.[1]

Transfer for Safekeeping

The transfer of drugs from one person to another for safekeeping will constitute trafficking.[2]

  1. ↑ R v NO, 2009 ABCA 75 (CanLII), 448 AR 253, per curiam, at paras 41, 42
  2. ↑ R v Lauze, 1980 CanLII 2935 (QC CA), 60 CCC (2d) 469 (QCCA), per Monet and Nolan JJA

Aiding or Abetting Drug Buyers

Where the accused is not proven to have trafficked in drugs, the only other way that they can be liable for trafficking is if they are guilty as a party under s. 21(1)(b) or (c) for trafficking.[1]

An "agent" for a purchaser or someone who "assists a purchaser to buy narcotics" will come into the definition of aiding or abetting under s. 21.[2] This includes "bringing together the source of supply and the prospective purchaser."[3] It will unlikely to be sufficient if the assistance is "rendered solely to the purchaser."[4]

  1. ↑ R v Poitras, 1973 CanLII 156 (SCC), 12 CCC (2d) 337, per Dickson J
  2. ↑ R v Greyeyes, 1996 CanLII 5030 (SK CA), 109 CCC (3d) 437, per Cory JA, at para 32
  3. ↑ Greyeyes, ibid.
  4. ↑ Greyeyes, ibid., at para 6

Opinion Evidence on Trafficking

To prove that someone was in possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, the Crown must call expert evidence to give an opinion that the circumstances allow for the inference that the possessor intended to traffic.[1]

See also: Expert Evidence for details on the law of expert evidence.

  1. ↑ E.g. See R v Balla, 2014 ABQB 127 (CanLII), 583 AR 79, per Yamauchi J, at paras 50 to 62

Evidence of Intent

Amount of drugs

Trafficking can be inferred where the quantity/purity/value of drugs.[1]

Where an accused is a user of drugs, there may be evidence suggestive that the drugs found in their possession may be consistent with personal use as opposed to trafficking. The amounts required to maintain the addiction and the habits of typical users are relevant. Either party is permitted to lead evidence concerning typical use, however, this usually takes the form of expert evidence.[2]

The amount of drugs alone cannot be used to establish trafficking.[3]

Marijuana amounts in the range of 3 pounds have been found to be unreasonable to be considered consumable for personal use. [4]

Cocaine amounts of 1kg have been found to be unreasonable to be for personal use.[5]

Money

Large quantities of unexplained wealth can allow a judge to lead to the conclusion of trafficking. This is particularly true where cash is in small denominations and is found near drugs.[6]

Packaging

Where packaging is found this may allow a judge to infer an intent to traffic. Packaging in numerous quantities, such as numerous small baggies, can create such an inference. [7]

  1. ↑ R v Le, 2001 BCCA 658 (CanLII), 160 CCC (3d) 146, per Rowles JA
    R v Adelberg, 2001 BCCA 637 (CanLII), 159 BCAC 54, per Hall JA
    R v L'Huillier, 1997 CanLII 9606 (NB QB), 501 APR 144, per Riordon J
    R v Falahatchian, 1995 CanLII 941 (ON CA), 99 CCC (3d) 420, per curiam
    R v Naugler, 1994 ABCA 110 (CanLII), per McFadyen JA
  2. ↑ R v Petavel, 2006 BCSC 1931 (CanLII), BCJ No 3339, per Barrow J
  3. ↑ R v McCallum, 2006 SKQB 287 (CanLII), Sask.R. 272, per Krueger J at 28
    R v Mehari, 2009 ABPC 217 (CanLII), 475 AR 383, per Lamoureux J, at para 7
  4. ↑ R v Brophy (W.) (1971), 3 N.B.R.(2d) 594 (CA)(*no CanLII links)
  5. ↑ R v Wilcox, 2014 BCCA 65 (CanLII), 9 CR (7th) 414, per Kirkpatrick JA
  6. ↑ R v Alberts, 1999 CanLII 2246 (ON CA), per curiam
    R v Le, 2001 BCCA 694 (CanLII), per Esson JA
  7. ↑ R v Scott, 2003 CanLII 27446 (ON SC), per Watt J
    R v Kwok, 2002 BCCA 177 (CanLII), 164 CCC (3d) 182, per Braidwood JA
    R v Petavel, 2006 BCSC 1931 (CanLII), BCJ No 3339, per Barrow J

Dial-a-Dope operations

A Dial-a-Dope operation is a manner in which drugs are often distributed to their customers. The seller and buyer will contact each other by phone and arrange to make an exchange at a pre-determined location.

The Crown will often adduce evidence to argue that the evidence suggests that such an operation was undertaken. This is determined by the expert opinion of the evidence suggestive of such an operation.

Several cases have considered the methods of a dial-a-dope operation.[1]

  1. ↑ R v Franklyn, 2001 BCSC 706 (CanLII), 50 WCB (2d) 548, per Henderson J
    R v Tran, 2007 BCCA 613 (CanLII), 250 BCAC 38, per Saunders JA
    R v Tetreault, 2008 BCSC 412 (CanLII), per D Smith J -- Acquitted

Other Conduct

The act of flushing cocaine down the toilet does not amount to trafficking.[1]

  1. ↑ R v Scharf, 2017 ONCA 794 (CanLII), per curiam

See Also

Related Offences

External Links

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