A picture taken at the time of the incident in July, 2020. (Submitted photo/ Prince Albert Police)

By Nigel Maxwell

Court proceedings

Cocaine trafficking bust results in 2.5 year prison sentence

Sep 21, 2021 | 1:03 PM

A drug bust in Prince Albert involving over five pounds of cocaine and more than $100,000 cash, has resulted in a nearly two-and-a-half year prison sentence for one of the two people charged.

Brendan Vermette, 30, appeared in person Monday at Prince Albert Provincial Court and entered a guilty plea to a charge of possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. He was originally scheduled to face trial after entering not guilty pleas last November.

The case itself dates back to the evening of July 16, 2020, when members from the Street Enforcement Team, Crime Reduction Team and Special Weapons and Tactics Team investigation executed at a search warrant at a residence in Stull Place on the city’s east side.

Inside the home police located 285.5 grams of crack cocaine, 2,065 grams of cocaine, 335 grams of a cutting agent, a rifle, cellphones and drug packaging materials.

Vermette, along with then 19-year-old Chante Bear were both arrested, however Bear’s charges were later stayed by the Crown.

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In addition to his 981 day sentence, Vermette also received a lifetime firearms prohibition. With credit for time spent in remand, he has just over 500 days left to serve.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell