Sudbury drug dealer, facing three years in jail, to be sentenced in August

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The man charged after a Greater Sudbury Police officer patrolling the downtown core on a bicycle witnessed a drug deal will now be sentenced in late August.

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Mario Durand, 53, was to have been sentenced in the Ontario Court of Justice this week, but a pre-sentence report ordered by the court back on Dec. 11 of last year, had not been completed.

As a result, Durand will now be sentenced on Aug. 28.

On Dec. 11, Durand, who was in custody, pleaded guilty to fentanyl possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Federal prosecutor Denys Bradley did not read in the facts of the case.

Defence lawyer Jacob Gauthier asked for a pre-sentence report.

Durand, meanwhile, was released on bail pending sentencing. He had to make a $10,000 deposit while his surety had to pledge $10,000 to ensure his release.

The court has heard Durand has a prior criminal record that will be entered at the sentencing hearing.

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The Sudbury Star has learned the Crown will be seeking a three-year penitentiary term for Durand.

According to Greater Sudbury Police, an officer on a bicycle – a member of the Community Response Unit – was on patrol in the downtown just before 2 p.m. Nov. 29 “when he witnessed an individual selling what were believed to be illicit drugs to another person.

“The officer was able to approach the two individuals without being detected and witnessed the exchange of cash for drugs,” police said in a release.

“Having witnessed the exchange, the officer called for additional units and stopped the two parties. The officer placed the individual selling the drugs under arrest.”

Upon searching the individual, officers located more drugs believed to be fentanyl, a notebook, packaging materials and $160 in cash. In total, officers seized close to 17 grams of drugs with an estimated street value of $5,600.

As a result, Durand was charged with drug trafficking and possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000.

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Twitter: @HaroldCarmichae

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