Affordable Ottawa Drug Trafficking Defence Lawyers
Facing Drug Trafficking Charges in Ottawa?
Get the Defence You Deserve
A charge of drug trafficking in Ontario is among the most serious offences under Canadian criminal law. If you’ve been accused of trafficking drugs in Ottawa, the stakes are high—life imprisonment, asset forfeiture, and a permanent criminal record are all real possibilities.
Drug trafficking involves more than just large-scale drug operations or border smuggling. Under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA), the definition includes any activity where a controlled substance is sold, transported, delivered, or even given away—regardless of profit or monetary exchange. Even offering or representing a substance as a drug can lead to trafficking charges.
If you’re facing this type of accusation, it’s safe to assume the police believe they have built a strong case against you. These investigations often involve surveillance, confidential informants, or undercover operations. But evidence can be flawed—and your Charter rights may have been violated.
At Affordable Defence, our Ottawa criminal defence lawyers know how to fight these charges. We will:
- Break down the charges and legal process to reduce uncertainty and stress
- Scrutinize the evidence for procedural errors or rights violations
- Build a customized defence strategy, exploring alternative explanations
- Seek dismissal, charge reduction, or acquittal in court where possible
With your future on the line, you need legal representation that’s experienced, strategic, and committed to protecting your rights. The sooner we get started, the better your chances of avoiding the most serious consequences of a conviction.
What are the main drug classifications in Canada?
Drug classifications in Canada are defined by the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act(CDSA).
Substances are organized into “schedules”: groups of drugs classified according to their chemical properties and effects on the user.
The schedules are very detailed.
Following are some of the most common substances involved in drug trafficking cases:
- Schedule I: Cocaine, heroin, codeine, morphine, opium, GHB (“date rape” drug),
- Schedule II: Cannabis, including cannabis resin and marijuana
- Schedule III: LSD, magic mushrooms
- Schedule IV: Barbiturates (clonazepam, diazepam, Amytal, Nembutal, etc,)
- Schedule V: Propylhexedrine and any salt derived from it
- Schedule VI: Substances used in the manufacture of other drugs, such as ephedrine, lysergic acid, norephedrine, pseudoephedrine, etc.
Understanding Drug Trafficking Charges in Ontario
Trafficking doesn’t require profit, money exchange, or even a real controlled substance—intending to distribute or representing a substance as a drug can be enough to result in charges.
You can be charged with drug trafficking if you are alleged to have:
- Sold or offered to sell a substance
- Transported or delivered it to another person
- Transferred, administered, or gave it away—even for free
- Sent it by mail or courier
- Handled it with the intent to distribute
Even in the absence of financial gain, these actions fall under trafficking if they involve, or appear to involve, a controlled substance.
The Crown’s Burden in a Trafficking Case
Police typically lay drug trafficking charges only when they believe they have gathered substantial evidence—often through surveillance, undercover operations, or informants. However, the burden of proof always rests with the Crown, and law enforcement must meet high legal standards in order to secure a conviction.
You Still Have Rights—and a Defence
No matter the scale of the alleged offence, it is crucial to review the evidence carefully with a criminal defence lawyer. At Affordable Defence, we meticulously assess:
- Whether the investigation followed Charter-compliant procedures
- If the evidence was obtained lawfully and can be challenged in court
- Whether there are inconsistencies, gaps, or credibility issues in the Crown’s case
You are presumed innocent until proven guilty. And even in cases where the evidence seems strong, an experienced defence team can often uncover critical issues that lead to reduced charges, dropped cases, or acquittals.
Penalties for Drug Trafficking in Ontario
If you’re convicted of drug trafficking in Ontario, the penalties can be life-changing. Canadian courts treat trafficking offences with extreme seriousness—particularly when they involve large quantities or substances listed under Schedule I or II of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA).
Even if it’s your first offence, a conviction for drug trafficking may lead to a lengthy prison sentence, the loss of your freedom, and a permanent criminal record.
Potential Sentences for Drug Trafficking
- Up to life imprisonment for trafficking Schedule I or II substances, including cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and cannabis.
- Up to 10 years imprisonment for trafficking Schedule III or IV substances, such as LSD, psilocybin (magic mushrooms), and barbiturates.
- Up to 3 years imprisonment for trafficking Schedule V substances, such as propylhexedrine and related compounds.
Additionally, if you are found to possess drugs with the intent to traffic, and the amount exceeds certain thresholds, mandatory minimum sentences may apply—removing the possibility of a conditional or suspended sentence.
Other Consequences of a Drug Trafficking Conviction
- Restricted eligibility for bail while awaiting trial
- A permanent criminal record, which can limit travel to countries like the U.S.
- Severe impact on employment, education, and immigration status
- Asset forfeiture, including money, vehicles, or property allegedly linked to the offence
At Affordable Defence, we understand the high stakes involved in trafficking charges. That’s why we work proactively to challenge the prosecution’s case, explore Charter violations, and advocate for the most favourable outcome—whether that means reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or full acquittal.
What are the main drug classifications in Canada?
Drug classifications in Canada are defined by the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act(CDSA).
Substances are organized into “schedules”: groups of drugs classified according to their chemical properties and effects on the user.
The schedules are very detailed.
Following are some of the most common substances involved in drug trafficking cases:
- Schedule I: Cocaine, heroin, codeine, morphine, opium, GHB (“date rape” drug),
- Schedule II: Cannabis, including cannabis resin and marijuana
- Schedule III: LSD, magic mushrooms
- Schedule IV: Barbiturates (clonazepam, diazepam, Amytal, Nembutal, etc,)
- Schedule V: Propylhexedrine and any salt derived from it
- Schedule VI: Substances used in the manufacture of other drugs, such as ephedrine, lysergic acid, norephedrine, pseudoephedrine, etc.
Understanding Drug Trafficking Charges in Ontario
If you’ve been charged with drug trafficking in Ottawa, it’s critical to understand the scope and legal complexity of this offence under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA). Trafficking doesn’t require profit, money exchange, or even a real controlled substance—intending to distribute or representing a substance as a drug can be enough to result in charges.
You can be charged with drug trafficking if you are alleged to have:
- Sold or offered to sell a substance
- Transported or delivered it to another person
- Transferred, administered, or gave it away—even for free
- Sent it by mail or courier
- Handled it with the intent to distribute
Even in the absence of financial gain, these actions fall under trafficking if they involve, or appear to involve, a controlled substance.
The Crown’s Burden in a Trafficking Case
Police typically lay drug trafficking charges only when they believe they have gathered substantial evidence—often through surveillance, undercover operations, or informants. However, the burden of proof always rests with the Crown, and law enforcement must meet high legal standards in order to secure a conviction.
You Still Have Rights—and a Defence
No matter the scale of the alleged offence, it is crucial to review the evidence carefully with a criminal defence lawyer. At Affordable Defence, we meticulously assess:
- Whether the investigation followed Charter-compliant procedures
- If the evidence was obtained lawfully and can be challenged in court
- Whether there are inconsistencies, gaps, or credibility issues in the Crown’s case
You are presumed innocent until proven guilty. And even in cases where the evidence seems strong, an experienced defence team can often uncover critical issues that lead to reduced charges, dropped cases, or acquittals.
Penalties for Drug Trafficking in Ontario
If you’re convicted of drug trafficking in Ontario, the penalties can be life-changing. Canadian courts treat trafficking offences with extreme seriousness—particularly when they involve large quantities or substances listed under Schedule I or II of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA).
Even if it’s your first offence, a conviction for drug trafficking may lead to a lengthy prison sentence, the loss of your freedom, and a permanent criminal record.
Potential Sentences for Drug Trafficking
- Up to life imprisonment for trafficking Schedule I or II substances, including cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and cannabis.
- Up to 10 years imprisonment for trafficking Schedule III or IV substances, such as LSD, psilocybin (magic mushrooms), and barbiturates.
- Up to 3 years imprisonment for trafficking Schedule V substances, such as propylhexedrine and related compounds.
Additionally, if you are found to possess drugs with the intent to traffic, and the amount exceeds certain thresholds, mandatory minimum sentences may apply—removing the possibility of a conditional or suspended sentence.
Other Consequences of a Drug Trafficking Conviction
- Restricted eligibility for bail while awaiting trial
- A permanent criminal record, which can limit travel to countries like the U.S.
- Severe impact on employment, education, and immigration status
- Asset forfeiture, including money, vehicles, or property allegedly linked to the offence
At Affordable Defence, we understand the high stakes involved in trafficking charges. That’s why we work proactively to challenge the prosecution’s case, explore Charter violations, and advocate for the most favourable outcome—whether that means reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or full acquittal.
Defending Drug Trafficking Charges in Ottawa
Being charged with drug trafficking in Ontario is a serious criminal allegation that can lead to lengthy prison terms, asset forfeiture, and a permanent criminal record. At Affordable Defence, our experienced Ottawa criminal defence lawyers have successfully defended clients facing complex trafficking charges—often when the evidence seemed overwhelming.
We approach each case with a rigorous, strategic analysis of the facts and legal procedures used by law enforcement and the Crown. Our team is skilled in identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, including potential violations of your Charter rights and improper investigative conduct.
Common Defence Strategies for Drug Trafficking Charges
- Unlawful Search or Seizure: If your person, vehicle, or property was searched without proper legal authority, the evidence may be excluded.
- Charter Rights Violations: We examine whether your right to counsel, freedom from unreasonable search, or right to remain silent were violated.
- Surveillance Techniques: We scrutinize any surveillance methods used to ensure they met legal standards and did not breach your privacy rights.
- Entrapment by Police: If law enforcement induced you to commit an offence you would not have otherwise committed, we may argue entrapment.
- Questionable Informants: We challenge the reliability of police informants, particularly if they lack credibility or stand to benefit from their testimony.
- Police Conduct in Custody: Any misconduct while you were detained may affect the admissibility of statements or other evidence.
With extensive experience handling drug-related indictable offences, we know where to look for procedural errors, investigative overreach, and constitutional breaches. We also explore alternative explanations for the facts of your case to raise reasonable doubt wherever possible.
Our goal is always to protect your rights, challenge the strength of the prosecution’s case, and pursue dismissal, charge reduction, or acquittal at trial.
If you’re facing a drug trafficking charge in Ottawa, time is critical. Contact Affordable Defence today to begin building your strongest defence.
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