A Stettler man was given a 12-month conditional sentence order after pleading guilty to moving more than two kilograms of marijuana.
Jason Snodgrass, 38, was in provincial court in Drumheller on Friday, March 15. He had pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance for the purposes of trafficking on a previous date and had returned for sentencing.
The court heard how on February 16 of last year, the RCMP was patrolling Highway 21 when they observed Snodgrass in a white pick-up truck travelling north. Police noticed some erratic driving and dim taillights.
When police stopped Snodgrass they noted he had trouble finding his documentation. They also smelled a strong odor of fresh marijuana.
They discovered a small amount of marijuana, as well as some rolling papers and a grinder. Upon a further search, RCMP discovered a backpack with anabolic steroids and a storage container with six bags of marijuana in it. The total weight of the marijuana discovered was 2.392 kilograms.
The RCMP also discovered $1,400 in cash and two cell phones with messages relating to the drug trade.
Snodgrass had no previous record and had received a favourable presentence report. Defense for Snodgrass, Alain Hepner of Calgary said his client has a history of using marijuana for pain relief and was not a supplier, but simply a courier.
Federal Prosecutor Colin Kloot and Hepner were joined in their recommendation for a 12-month conditional sentence order. For the first 12 months, Snodgrass is to remain under house arrest, and for the remainder of his sentence, he is to abide by a curfew.
