Trafficking charges draw federal time

(Police) found Theriault along with 18.18 grams of fentanyl-laced heroin, 18.09 grams of methamphetamine and 11.17 grams of cocaine...

A Prince George man was sentenced Tuesday to a further two years plus a day in jail for possessing fentanyl-laced heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine while out on bail on charges of possessing the same types of drugs from a separate arrest.

In sentencing Jeffrey Austin Theriault, 26, B.C. Supreme Court Justice Francesca Marzari agreed to a joint submission from Crown and defence councils that called for 30 months in jail for possessing the heroin and concurrent terms of 24 months for the methamphetamine and the cocaine.

Less credit of 180 days for time served prior to sentencing, Theriault has a further two years plus a day to go, which means he will serve the time in a federal institution.

Theriault was out on bail facing charges from a July 2016 incident when, in July 2017, police had reason to believe he was again dealing in illicit substances.

A search warrant was executed on a home in a local trailer park where police found Theriault along with 18.18 grams of fentanyl-laced heroin, 18.09 grams of methamphetamine and 11.17 grams of cocaine as well as $7,705 in cash, scales and packaging materials.

In September 2018, Theriault was sentenced to 20 months time served for the previous arrest, when he was found in possession of 24.33 grams of heroin, 247.12 grams of methamphetamine and 14.07 grams of cocaine.

Theriault has a Grade 11 education and is qualified to work in the oil and gas industry but has earned most of his living in the illegal drug trade. He’s also had a history of using drugs and alcohol dating back to an early age and became addicted to fentanyl in recent years.

He has also been unwilling to get treatment and counselling although he started but did not complete a program during his most recent turn in custody. However, Theriault has indicated he wants federal time to access the resources at that level.

Theriault continues to face drug-related charges plus counts of assault with a weapon and unlawful confinement or imprisonment from an alleged Feb. 1, 2017 incident in Prince George.