(File photo/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

cocaine case

Inmate receives three more years for duffel bag full of cocaine, cash, and Taser

Sep 26, 2019 | 3:45 PM

A man’s impending release from jail was pushed back after his prison guards caught him with a duffel bag containing cocaine.

Carey Lee Henry, 27, received a three-year prison sentence for possession for the purpose of trafficking after pleading guilty to the Aug. 23 incident that happened at the Prince Albert Community-Training Residence.

According to the statement of facts read in court by Crown Prosecutor Dan Heffernan, correctional officers inspected a duffel bag Henry was carrying and found four small plastic bags containing cocaine. The estimated street value of the drugs was between $9,200 and $11,600, depending on how much it was diluted or cut, court heard.

Weigh scales, cellphones, and $3,000 in cash were also found inside the bag, along with a handheld Taser. Henry was on his way to work when the bag was searched.

Defence Lawyer Loretta Markowski requested a publication ban on Henry’s personal circumstances.

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When given the opportunity to speak, Henry apologized for his actions, and said he takes “full responsibility.”

Judge Thomas Healey referred to the quantity of drugs seized as “astonishing” and told Henry he was very fortunate for the sentence he received, which was a joint submission by the prosecutor and defence lawyers.

The three-year sentence will start in November, at the end of Henry’s current jail sentence. As part of the sentencing, Henry will be restricted from owning firearms for a 10-year period.

A community training residence (CTR) is a reduced custody living unit for sentenced low risk offenders. Offenders have graduated access to the community to attend employment, education or treatment, but return to the residence each evening.

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nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell