Ilona Josie's sentencing hearing was held on Friday at Prince Albert Provincial Court. (File photo/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Court proceedings

Prince Albert meth trafficker receives four year prison sentence

May 10, 2024 | 2:00 PM

A woman responsible for trafficking methamphetamine in Prince Albert has received a four-year sentence.

However, with credit spent on remand in custody, she has roughly three years left to serve.

Ilona Josie, 38, appeared by video when her case was spoken to on Friday at Prince Albert Provincial Court. Guilty pleas had previously been entered in February to several offences related to drug trafficking, firearms, and Breach of Statutory Release.

At the time of the arrest last July, police found a loaded sawed-off .22 rifle, ammunition, 36 grams of meth, 1.7 grams of MDMA, $115 in Canadian Currency and further evidence of drug trafficking.

The estimated street value of the methamphetamine seized was $2,500.

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A photo of the items seized. (Prince Albert Police Service)

Josie’s lawyer Tim Nolan noted while in custody, she had completed 24 separate programs, mainly related to drugs. A pre-sentence report also showed she has strong family support and has every intention to sever her ties with previous gang influences including working with Str8 Up and removing some tattoos.

“She does not want to be where she is,” he said, adding his own belief that if she can stay away from the gang influences she has a good chance for success.

When provided the opportunity to speak, Josie said she’s eager to serve her time and move on with her life.

“And make better choices,” she said.

Accepting the joint submission that was presented, Judge H. Harradece noted Josie’s work to improve herself.

“She strikes me as highly intelligent,” he said, encouraging Josie to continue on the good path she was on.

As part of the sentencing, a recommendation will be made to Correctional Service Canada for Josie, when it’s appropriate, to serve a portion of her sentence at a healing lodge.

She’s also prohibited for life from owning or possessing any firearms, ammunition or explosives, but can apply for an exemption if usage is related to traditional treaty rights.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell