Possession of a Schedule I or II substance for the purpose of trafficking, Possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm
R. v. Taylor
- Below the Crown's ask
- On release at the time
Sentence and the Crown's position
What the law allows
David Taylor pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking and one count of possession of a loaded prohibited firearm; the second trafficking offence was committed while he was on bail for the first. The Crown sought eight years and the defence five years. Justice Hewson imposed a total sentence of seven years, ordering the 2023 drug and firearm sentences to run concurrently because the firearm was part of the same trafficking operation, and gave six days' credit for presentence custody.
In the judge's words
1When I consider the balance that I must find between the primary objectives of deterrence and denunciation and the objective of furthering Mr. Taylor's efforts at rehabilitation, I am satisfied that it is appropriate to sentence him at the low end of the range for mid‑level fentanyl trafficking for the 2023 offence, which would be a sentence of four years.
The record
- Convicted of
- Possession of a Schedule I or II substance for the purpose of trafficking (CDSA 5(2), 2 counts)
- Possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm (CC 95(1))
- Prior convictions
- Not recorded
- At the time of the offence
- On bail1
- Defence asked for
- 5 years in custody1
- Appeal
- Not yet checked
- Counsel
- Crown: M. Reinhart
Defence: G.A.P. Verdurmen
Sources
- R. v. Taylor, 2026 BCSC 1698 Court decision, CanLII, August 21, 2026
[4] The Crown seeks a sentence of eight years.
[5] On behalf of Mr. Taylor, Mr. Verdurmen seeks a global sentence of five years, made up of a three‑year sentence for the 2023 fentanyl trafficking offence, concurrent with a three‑year sentence for the firearms offence, and a consecutive two‑year sentence for the 2024 fentanyl trafficking offence.
[2] Following an adverse ruling on a voir dire on the first indictment, David Taylor has pleaded guilty to one count of possession of fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking, contrary to s. 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, and one count of unauthorized possession of a loaded prohibited firearm, contrary to s. 95(1) of the Criminal Code.
[3] In addition, he has pleaded guilty, before trial, on the second indictment, to one count of possession of fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking, contrary to s. 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. That offence was committed on July 17, 2024 while he was on bail for the first offence.
[37] When I consider the balance that I must find between the primary objectives of deterrence and denunciation and the objective of furthering Mr. Taylor's efforts at rehabilitation, I am satisfied that it is appropriate to sentence him at the low end of the range for mid‑level fentanyl trafficking for the 2023 offence, which would be a sentence of four years.
[45] That makes for a total sentence of seven years. … [46] Mr. Taylor has four days' presentence custody and he is entitled to six days' credit.
- Criminal Code, s. 95 Record, Justice Laws Website
- R. v. Taylor, 2026 BCSC 1698 Court decision, Courts of British Columbia