Remorseful local man gets 3.5 years for drug charges
Expressing remorse, a 25year-old Medicine Hat man was sentenced Tuesday to three-and-a-half years in federal prison for serious drug trafficking charges.
“I want to express my sincerest apologies for my actions and the danger I put in my community,” said Cole Lee, pledging to never put anyone in danger again. Lee also apologized to his family for the hurt he caused them, vowing to “rise” to the person he can be.
Lee pled guilty to trafficking a controlled substance, two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking and unauthorized possession of a firearm.
The trafficking charge stems from multiple purchases of cocaine made by undercover police officers from December 2015 to February 2016 — either from Lee directly, or from individuals Lee was providing direction too.
The Crown noted Lee was a higher level of the hierarchy for trafficking.
The firearm charge comes from a Jan 2016 incident where Lee and another man were at Canadian Tire together, and this man used a valid licence to purchase a 22 caliber rifle. This rifle was then given to Lee in the parking lot, and they went their separate ways.
On Feb. 13, 2016, police pulled over and arrested Lee and a co-accused, seizing 349.09 grams of cocaine valued at $34,000. An executed search warrant found 3.7 grams of MDMA, the firearm with its serial number filed off, 185 grams of marijuana, 44 milligrams of hydromorphone pills, 2.2 grams of cannabis resin, psilocybin and paraphernalia associated with selling drugs at Lee’s residence.
The sentence was a joint submission between Crown and defence.
“This young man comes before you with a virtually unblemished record,” said defence counsel Peter Hoare. Lee is a steamfitter by trade, said Hoare, and became addicted to opiates and cocaine, in part spiralling due to a cousin dying from an overdose.
Since his arrest, Lee has been attending addiction treatment, fully followed the often stringent release conditions, retained employment and has “rejoined the community.” Letters of reference were provided to the judge, while numerous family members also attended court to show the support he has.
“This is a young man who has a lot of potential,” said Hoare, adding Lee can be a productive member of the community and has a bright future after serving his time.