Items seized by Prince Albert Police after arresting Jean Deraspre Robert last year. (submitted/PAPS)

By Susan McNeil

Drug trafficker sentenced

Four years jail for dealing cocaine and meth from near P.A. hotel

Oct 15, 2024 | 3:30 PM

A Quebec man who was using a storage trailer behind the Twilight Motel to store cocaine, meth and several guns will spend a total of four years in jail for his crimes.

Jean Pascal Deraspre Robert, age 35, was sentenced in Prince Albert Provincial Court on Oct. 15, but said he looks at jail as an opportunity to make needed changes.

“Only one thing comes to mind, I must be re-born,” said Robert in a letter read aloud by his lawyer. “I will call the cell the womb of my new mother.”

Since his incarceration that started over a year ago following his arrest in the West Hill, Robert has remained sober even while being offered drugs in jail. Before, he used 15 grams every day, while also selling to others.

It was while looking at himself in the prison mirror that he said led to an awakening moment.

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“He realized that he inspired people in the wrong way,” said Robert’s lawyer. “Drugs end in misery, death or you’re going to end up in jail.”

While French interpretation services were available and the judge could speak French, Robert elected to proceed in English and appeared by video conference call rather than in person.

Robert grew up in the care of his mother, who was a stripper and would take him to the club she worked at sometimes, where he ‘saw things no child should see.’

He met his father when he was 17 and has since developed a relationship and also has a brother and a 13-year-old daughter that live in Quebec.

Robert was arrested by Prince Albert Police on November 15, 2023. Officers from the Crime Reduction Team and the Saskatchewan Trafficking Response Tean had been watching him.

He bought gas at a service station and when he went inside to pay, he was arrested. Police found cocaine and meth in his possession.

Investigators then checked a travel trailer that was being stored at the motel and after getting a CDSA warrant, they found more drugs, a loaded .45 calibre handgun, a loaded .22 rifle and a 700 Remington rifle that was not loaded, but ammo was nearby.

All told, officers seized 380 grams of meth and 155 grams of cocaine.

The sentence of four years for trafficking, having guns and breaching a previous order was a joint submission between the Crown and defence.

Robert will get a 503-day credit for time served in remand before his conviction. In addition to a lifetime weapons ban, he also must supply a DNA sample to the national database.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com