Trafficking or possession for trafficking (Schedule III or V substance), Importing or exporting a Schedule III, V or VI substance
R. v. Adzich
Sentence and the Crown's position
What the law allows
Michael Duke Adzich pleaded guilty to importing DMT and possessing it for the purpose of trafficking, after arranging to import ayahuasca from Peru that he supplied to participants in ceremonies on his rural property. The Crown sought an 18 to 24 month conditional sentence; the defence sought a conditional discharge. Justice Arnold granted a conditional discharge on each count with two consecutive 18-month probation terms and 200 hours of community service, citing his lack of a record and finding that probation could achieve deterrence and denunciation.
In the judge's words
1Our Court of Appeal has therefore confirmed that general deterrence and denunciation can be achieved by way of a period of probation when the “sword of Damocles” is hanging over an offender’s head.
The record
Sources
- R. v. Adzich, 2025 NSSC 311 Court decision, CanLII, October 16, 2025
[1] … The Crown seeks an 18-24 month conditional sentence.
[1] … Mr. Adzich requests a conditional discharge.
[1] Michael Adzich pleaded guilty to the importation of Dimethyltryptamine (“DMT”) and to the possession for the purposes of trafficking of DMT.
[31] Mr. Adzich has no criminal record.
[63] Our Court of Appeal has therefore confirmed that general deterrence and denunciation can be achieved by way of a period of probation when the “sword of Damocles” is hanging over an offender’s head.
[91] Mr. Adzich will receive conditional discharges in relation to both offences. The sentence will be imposed as follows: Mr. Adzich is sentenced to a conditional discharge on each count, with periods of 18 months’ probation for the importation followed by 18 months’ probation for the possession for the purposes of trafficking, for the purposes of clarity each to be served consecutively.
- Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, s. 6 Record, Justice Laws Website
- R. v. Adzich, 2025 NSSC 311 Court decision, Courts of Nova Scotia