Calgary Drug Trafficking Lawyer

From small-scale drug sales to large, multimillion-dollar drug operations, drug trafficking charges can result in long prison sentences for those involved. Defending against such charges requires specialized knowledge, and seeking experienced legal counsel is crucial to ensure that your rights are protected and, most importantly, that you receive the best outcome in the case.

With more than three decades of experience defending clients against drug trafficking charges, Patrick C Fagan, K.C. has a long record of not only defending but winning drug prosecution cases. As the sole drug trafficking defence lawyer in Canada with experience as Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) drug investigator, Patrick C Fagan, K.C. has unparalleled experience defending clients in court against drug trafficking charges.

Defending Calgary Drug Trafficking Charges

Defending against drug trafficking charges is a complex endeavour. The Crown attorney’s office that prosecutes drug offences is separate from those prosecuting other criminal offences. Furthermore, there are multiple legislations regulating drug offences, and the police powers to search and investigate these charges depend on the circumstances of each case.

The Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) is the main legislation policing the possession, sale, importation, and trafficking of drugs in Canada. The CDSA deems what drugs are illegal and what offences are criminal. Under the CDSA, police can arrest you and apply for a search warrant to investigate drug trafficking for any of the following activities with illegal substances:

  • Selling
  • Administering
  • Giving
  • Transferring
  • Transporting
  • Sending
  • Delivering

The police may investigate a suspected case of drug trafficking based on an anonymous tip, the suspicious activity observed during routine investigations or traffic stops, or lengthy drug investigations. These investigations vary in size and scope and can include the use of informants, video and telephone surveillance, authorized searches, and seizures.

Drug trafficking charges carry much harsher penalties than simple drug possession charges, and due to the complexity of these cases, it is important to seek help from an experienced Calgary drug trafficking lawyer to help decipher when, how, and under what law you can be investigated, searched, or charged — and to help you develop a defence strategy to obtain the most favourable verdict in your case.

35 Years of Courtroom Experience

With 35 years of experience in courtrooms for drug trafficking charges, Patrick C Fagan, K.C. has unique expertise in putting together a defence strategy — regardless of the severity of the charge.


Multiple charges in massive drug trafficking case – verdict: 5 out of 6 charges dropped, no prison sentence

A client of Patrick C Fagan, K.C., was arrested in what the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) called the “largest organized crime” syndicate in the history of the agency. The client faced a lengthy prison sentence for multiple charges, including money laundering and drug trafficking in proceeds.

After squashing several serious charges, such as conspiracy to traffick in cocaine, Patrick C Fagan, K.C. was ultimately successful in ripping apart 5 of the six remaining criminal charges against his client, including money laundering and trafficking in proceeds of crime. His client entered a guilty plea for the remaining charge of possessing proceeds, for which he received a fine and one-year probation — but no prison sentence.


Man charged with drug trafficking charges – verdict: all charges withdrawn

R. v. BAT, [ABPC, Red Deer – July 2020]

Using an undercover civilian agent, the RCMP orchestrated a sale with BAT, after which he was arrested and charged with trafficking in cocaine, possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, and possession of proceeds of crime. Facing a lengthy prison sentence, BAT sought the expertise of Patrick C Fagan, K.C., to defend him against these charges.

While the case looked open-and-shut, Patrick C Fagan, K.C. identified several deficiencies in the investigation. Ultimately, Patrick C Fagan, K.C. secured the withdrawal of all charges in exchange for a guilty plea to a simple possession charge. BAT was given a $500 fine but no prison term.


What are the Potential Consequences of a Calgary Drug Trafficking Charge?

Drug trafficking charges carry much harsher penalties than simple drug possession charges. In some cases, a drug trafficking charge can result in life imprisonment. However, the severity of the punishment depends on the substance, the number of drugs trafficked, the number of drug deals, and the accused person or persons’ prior criminal record.

Trafficking “hard drugs” such as cocaine, heroin, morphine, fentanyl, or opium can lead to life sentences. But even if the accused person has been charged with trafficking a “lower grade” substance, these charges can result in long prison terms depending on the circumstances. For instance, cases that involve organized crime or acts of violence are punished much more harshly.

Because drug trafficking charges can result in harsh penalties, it is important to retain an experienced lawyer to defend you as early as possible in your case.

What Common Defences Rip Apart Drug Trafficking Charges?

Defending against a drug trafficking charge can be difficult, but with the help of an experienced defence lawyer, these charges can be ripped apart. The most common defences used in such cases include:

  • There is insufficient evidence to prove the elements of a drug trafficking crime
  • Your Constitutional rights were violated in the process of the police obtaining evidence
  • You were unaware or not in possession of the substance
  • You had no intent to sell or distribute the substance

Patrick C Fagan, K.C. has successfully defended hundreds of drug cases in Calgary and across Canada, ranging from simple drug possession to high-profile, multimillion-dollar drug seizures that have garnered widespread media coverage.

Contact Patrick C Fagan, K.C. Now

With long-standing experience in defending drug possession charges, Patrick C Fagan, K.C. understands how to rip these charges apart in court — and he has the track record to show for it. Patrick C Fagan, K.C. has helped defend hundreds of clients in court and has secured outright verdicts of not guilty to getting all charges withdrawn. Contact Patrick C Fagan, K.C. now for a personal evaluation, call 403-517-1777 or contact the office at info@patrickfagan.com.

“… a sharp lawyer like Fagan could make mince meat out of their case.”

— AVENUE MAGAZINE

Contact the Law Office of Patrick C. Fagan today to review your case.