Drug Trafficking Lawyer Calgary

In 2021-22, over $334 million worth of illicit drugs were seized by law enforcement in Alberta. Drug trafficking is big business, and the Crown invests large amounts of resources and manpower into investigating and prosecuting crimes that bring drugs into the Province. Marijuana, methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine are the most common drugs seized.

It is illegal to sell, transport, or distribute controlled substances in Canada. Controlled substances are defined in the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and the Cannabis Act, which classifies drugs into categories based on purported dangerousness and sets penalties depending on the category of the drug and its weight.

When facing drug trafficking charges, you should never speak with police or prosecutors upon arrest or try to represent yourself. Your rights and your freedom are too precious to risk by going it alone. A skilled and experienced drug trafficking lawyer can help guide you through the complexities of a criminal prosecution, from arrest, bail hearing, pretrial discovery, negotiations with prosecutors, and trial, if necessary.

The knowledgeable lawyers at Bulwark Law know how to defend your rights. We bring integrity, professionalism, and efficacy to every case we handle.

What is Drug Trafficking in Calgary?

Drug trafficking includes any act of selling, giving, transporting, administering, transferring, sending, or delivering illicit drugs. Drugs are classified by their apparent dangerousness.

• Schedule 1: cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, ecstasy and opioids such as fentanyl
• Schedule 2: synthetic marihuana
• Schedule 3: hallucinogens such as LSD, certain mushrooms, amphetamine-derivatives, and other sedatives and stimulants
• Schedule 4: steroids, prescription medications and other substances

These charges can be aggravated by weapon use, prior drug offence convictions, and distribution to minors. Investigations into drug trafficking often involve lengthy and expensive police work, so the prosecution works hard to justify the government’s investment of time and resources. That’s why you need a highly skilled drug offences lawyer to defend you against such charges.

Marijuana and its derivatives are now prosecuted under the Cannabis Act. As of October 17, 2018, adults can possess up to 30 grams of cannabis, dried or its equivalent, and can buy dried or fresh cannabis or cannabis oils from a licensed retailer. However, the trafficking of marijuana outside the parameters of the Cannabis Act is still illegal.

Trafficking in prescription drugs, such as anabolic steroids, painkillers, stimulants, tranquillizers, and barbiturates, is also prosecuted under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

Drug trafficking investigations are complex and often involve wiretaps, confidential informants, undercover police operations, and lengthy search warrants. The complexity and expense of any drug trafficking investigation up the ante because of the investment by the state in terms of manpower, resources, and money. You need experienced and savvy legal representation by skilled drug trafficking lawyers familiar with the players in Calgary in order to protect your rights and freedom. You need Bulwark Law.

What Are the Potential Consequences of Drug Trafficking Charges?

Drug trafficking is severely punished in Canada with harsher sentences than mere possession. Penalties depend on various circumstances, including the type of drug distributed; the quantity; the number of drug transactions; whether other crimes were committed around the drug trafficking, including whether weapons were present; distribution to minors; and prior criminal record.

The maximum penalty for trafficking the most serious drugs is life in prison. Even low-level, commercial trafficking of cocaine routinely attracts a two to a three-year jail sentence in Alberta. Trafficking in more serious drugs such as fentanyl, even as little as an ounce, calls for a sentence in the range of nine years in prison.

How Can a Drug Trafficking Lawyer Help You?

It is always a mistake to represent yourself in a drug trafficking case. With the full force of the Crown’s authority against you, only an experienced and knowledgeable drug trafficking lawyer can properly defend you.

It is essential to remain silent and enlist the aid of a lawyer as soon as possible to develop a legal strategy, negotiate with prosecutors, and prepare for trial if needed. Prosecutors facing criminal defence lawyers with a long record of success are more likely to consider withdrawing charges or charging for lesser offences.

Contact Bulwark Law Today

Your future – and that of your family – requires rigorous defence from the very beginning of any criminal prosecution. If you are facing criminal charges of drug trafficking, consider hiring Bulwark Law. Our lawyers are skilled, knowledgeable, and compassionate. We have a reputation amongst judges and prosecutors in Calgary and throughout Alberta for fierce representation and are known for our integrity and full understanding of criminal law and procedure. We invite you to call 403 678 7360 or complete the contact form to arrange your free initial consultation.