British Columbia drug dealer sentenced to six years in prison

A Vancouver Provincial Court judge has sentenced a man she described as a mid-level drug dealer who trafficked various narcotics to six years in prison.

Russell Joseph Brown was initially charged with eight counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking, as well as firearms and criminal damage offenses.

Judge Kathryn Denhoff said on August 22 that Brown was found in possession of 52 grams of fentanyl, 13.2 grams of methamphetamine and nine bricks of crack cocaine with a street value of $16,000 on September 15, 2021.

“The amount of drugs seized was considerable,” said Denhoff.

She said he also had scales, two knives, a claw hammer and bear spray.

Denhoff said they were typical weapons used by drug dealers.

The court heard that Brown was caught on May 19, 2022 near St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver with 105.5 grams of fentanyl and 51.8 grams of cocaine with a street value of $27,000.

Various firearms, cartridges, ammunition and two knives were also found on him.

The judge said Brown grew up in a chaotic environment and began using crack cocaine at the age of 15.

“Mr Brown was obviously affected by many of the same disadvantages as Indigenous people,” she said.

The judge said Brown had made efforts to improve his life and had been enrolled in a rehabilitation program.

“I am impressed with the steps Mr. Brown has taken to rehabilitate himself,” she said. “He is now free from all drugs. Mr. Brown should be commended for his willingness to fight his addiction.”

Brown was given credit for 1,229 days already served in custody, leaving him with 964 days or 2.6 years remaining.

Proceedings were suspended in one case of human trafficking and in other cases of property damage, theft of weapons and burglary tools.