P.A. man to be sentenced for trafficking new synthetic drug in city

A 19-year-old Prince Albert man has pleaded guilty to trafficking a synthetic drug, which sent six people to hospital earlier this year.

Police charged Douglas Jean Neufeld in February with a variety of drug related offences including trafficking and criminal negligence causing bodily harm. Neufeld was accused of moving Dimethoxybeneethanamine also known as 2C-B, a synthetic psychedelic drug police say could have potentially serious medical consequences. Police also mentioned this was the first time officers have encountered the drug in Prince Albert.

Neufeld’s charges followed an investigation by police after Parkland Ambulance paramedics responded to a report of drug overdoses that sent six people to hospital.

Lawyer Peter Abrametz Jr., who is representing Neufeld, said his client has pleaded guilty to trafficking a controlled substance and possession of proceeds of crime. In turn, the Crown has dropped the charge of causing bodily harm, he said.

“This is all new to him,” he said on Thursday. “It’s not pleasant for anybody but he’s very relieved that his friends have made a full recovery. These were young people who were injured. They were his friends. So he’s very relieved that his friends have made a full recovery.”

Event Centre funding

City may hire lobbyist for event centre money

6h ago

International honours

Raiders' Kubiesa to represent Czechia at IIHF U18 Men's World Championship

10h ago

Learn the signs

How often should you change your brakes?

14h ago

Abrametz said Neufeld is not in custody at the moment and stressed his client does not have a criminal record.

Sentencing for Neufeld will take place on Sept. 29.

Jeff.labine@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @labinereporter