Woman gets five years for drugs, guns

A Victoria woman found in possession of stolen property, firearms, ammunition and drugs, including fentanyl, has been sentenced to five years in prison.

Lorraine Anderson, 53, pleaded guilty to five counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking in cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine and heroin mixed with fentanyl, two counts of possession of loaded prohibited or restricted firearms and possession of stolen property over $5,000.

Anderson came to the attention of Victoria police in August 2016. The crime-reduction unit placed her under surveillance and tracked her for the next three months. They saw what they believed to be drug transactions on five occasions, provincial court Judge Carmen Rogers said in summarizing the case.

On Oct. 28, 2016, the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team searched Anderson’s apartment on Admirals Road, seven basement storage lockers, a large rented storage container parked outside and three vehicles. They discovered 21 items of stolen property and a drug processing area in a bedroom. Police found 82 grams of heroin laced with fentanyl, 345 grams of crack cocaine, 165 grams of methamphetamine and four fentanyl pills. The drugs were worth about $50,000.

Several firearms and ammunition were found along with cash totalling $19,155 throughout the house.

The Crown asked for a prison sentence of six years. The defence asked for three years.

During the sentencing hearing, Rogers learned of Anderson’s tragic background.

Anderson, who appeared by video from Alouette Correctional Centre on the Lower Mainland, sobbed as Rogers recounted Anderson’s early exposure to violence, drugs and sexual victimization.

Anderson didn’t know she was of aboriginal heritage until her father died. Her father denied he was Métis because he feared discrimination. He was an alcoholic and physically abusive to her mother, who in turn was abusive to her, said Rogers.

When she was nine, Anderson was introduced to drugs by her older brother. By 11, her father was buying her alcohol and drinking with her until she blacked out. At age 12, Anderson was sexually assaulted by her cousin. She ran away from home and spent several years living on the streets. At age 15, she began a relationship with her first husband. They had a son and daughter and the relationship was stable for about 10 years. They both became addicted to crystal meth. They lost their business, their home and all their possessions. Her husband became abusive.

She left him and began a relationship with another man, who was also addicted and abusive.

For several years, Anderson was drug free. In 2006, she relapsed and began using crystal meth. In 2007, she was convicted of possession of stolen property and three counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking. In 2013, she was convicted of two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Rogers said Anderson has prospects for rehabilitation. During the five months she spent in custody, she completed 12 programs. She now hopes to take aboriginal programs and attend an aboriginal treatment centre for substance abuse when she is released from custody, Rogers said.

The presence of guns and ammunition combined with drugs and the involvement of fentanyl were significant aggravating factors in sentencing, Rogers found. “These are very grave offences. And Ms. Anderson’s degree of responsibility is high.”

Rogers found the mitigating factors to be Anderson’s early guilty plea, her remorse and her difficult upbringing.

Anderson received credit of 7.5 months for the five months she has spent in custody.

She has four years, 135 days left to serve.