Revealed Nov 26, 2024 • Final up to date 3 days in the past • 2 minute learn
Simcoe Courthouse Picture by Susan Gamble
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A Norfolk drug supplier was despatched to jail for the second time in three years when he appeared earlier than the Ontario Courtroom in Simcoe just lately.
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Adrian Z. Matthews, 27, of Courtland, was launched after serving the statutory portion of his 29-month sentence levelled in 2021. He grew to become the goal of a police investigation once more in February this yr.
Federal prosecutor Jamie Pereira informed a decide Matthews was arrested whereas in a taxi shifting via the drive-through of Wendy’s in Simcoe. He was discovered with all kinds of proof of drug dealing.
“When the cab was stopped and searched, police found 32 pre-packaged dime bags, each with .1 grams of fentanyl,” mentioned Pereira, including there was extra fentanyl and a cellular phone on the ground.
Matthews’ backpack contained drug packaging supplies, two digital scales and a folding knife that was inscribed with the phrases “Simcoe Adrian”.
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The supplier additionally had coyote spray and a stun gun that was labelled “Police”.
In a cross-body bag Matthews was carrying, police discovered powdered and crack cocaine, tablets of ecstasy and methamphetamine, together with tons of of {dollars} in foreign money and pay as you go present playing cards.
He pleaded responsible to 2 counts of possession of medicine for trafficking, possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon regardless of an order on the contrary. A number of different charges have been withdrawn.
“What’s very concerning in this case is that he recently had been released from custody and, unfortunately, returned to the drug trade,” mentioned Pereira, “and was carrying a weapon when he was already prohibited from doing so.”
Defence lawyer Shawn Swarts mentioned Matthews was well-immersed within the drug subculture and trafficking to assist fund his personal struggles with habit, a truth the court docket considers.
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“To his credit, he has cleaned up his act and gotten sober,” mentioned Swarts.
“It’s his hope that this resolves all outstanding criminal matters so he can do his time and start life afresh. He has suggested he may remove himself from this area.”
That may not assist, mentioned Justice Elizabeth Wilson.
“You may decide to change communities where you think you won’t have access to drugs but they’re out there and, if you want, you can find them.”
Wilson mentioned she questioned the sincerity of Matthews, given his fast return to dealing after being launched from jail, however urged him to consider his influence on the Simcoe group.
“You need to decide if you’re going to spend the rest of your life doing sentences in custody or if you want to make a change. I hope you’re sincere.”
The decide agreed to the joint sentence put ahead of three-and-a-half years in jail much less the virtually eight months of time Matthews was already credited with serving.
SGamble
@EXPSGamble
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