Man guilty of smuggling 31 kg cocaine at Carway border sentenced to 8.5 years

The estimated street value of the drugs – depending on how they are packaged and sold – was between $1.4 million and $3.1 million.

In March of this year, a 12-member jury found Gaudrault guilty of one count each of importing cocaine and possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

At Calgary Court of Queen’s Bench today, June 9, Justice Kristine Eidsvik sentenced Gaudrault to eight and a half years on the first count, and seven years to be served concurrently on the second count. Justice Eidsvik also allowed a credit of 178 days for time served in custody.

In her sentencing, Justice Eidsvik stated that Gaudrault knew of the 31 kg of cocaine that were in his vehicle when he crossed the Carway border and he knew that the drugs would be used for trafficking purposes. However, she could not conclude that the Crown proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Gaudrault was involved in the manufacturing of the hidden compartment where the drugs were placed inside of the vehicle.

She said what was proven was that Gaudrault was a one-time courier of a large amount of cocaine, was young when the offence occurred, he was from a troubled background and was suffering from addiction, unemployment and poverty at the time.

Justice Eidsvik noted that Gaudrault, a first-time offender, is remorseful and recognizes the seriousness of his offence, “especially having witnessed the ravages of addiction first-hand with his parents.”

The defense asked Justice Eidsvik to recommend that Gaudrault’s sentence be served at the Bowden Institution. She said she does not have authority over where Gaudrault will serve his sentence but noted that she will provide that recommendation.

by Justin Goulet

Man guilty of smuggling 31 kg cocaine at Carway border sentenced to 8.5 years

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