In a significant ruling at Regina Provincial Court, a 62-year-old man with documented health issues has been sentenced to seven years in prison for drug trafficking offenses involving fentanyl and methamphetamine. Terrence William Ward pleaded guilty to possession for the purpose of trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine, as well as possessing proceeds of crime, following a police investigation that uncovered drugs with an estimated value of $900,000.
Details of the Investigation and Arrest
The case began when the Regina Police Service (RPS) initiated an investigation based on confidential informant tips. Officers observed Ward engaging in multiple short-duration meetings in the city, which were consistent with drug transactions. Police subsequently obtained a cellphone tracking warrant, which revealed that Ward traveled to Alberta on September 11, 2024, and returned to Saskatchewan in the early hours of September 12.
At approximately 8:30 a.m. on September 12, 2024, Ward was pulled over by police while driving on the Trans-Canada Highway west of Pense, Saskatchewan, heading toward Regina. During the traffic stop, officers discovered 6.3 kilograms of fentanyl and approximately four kilograms of methamphetamine in his possession. Additionally, Ward was found with over $1,300 in cash wrapped in an elastic band.
Additional Evidence from Home Search
Following the arrest, police executed a search warrant at Ward's residence, where they seized an additional 1.2 kilograms of methamphetamine and $2,300 in cash. Federal Crown prosecutor Brian Smith presented these findings in court, noting that the total drug seizure was "conservatively" estimated to be worth $900,000. The investigation highlighted the scale of the operation, with the drugs representing a significant threat to public safety.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
During the court proceedings on January 19, Ward admitted to selling drugs but claimed he was unaware that fentanyl was among the substances he was transporting. He told Judge Daryl Rayner that he had been "lied to" by those who provided him with the drugs and expressed surprise at the discovery. Despite this, Ward accepted responsibility for the drugs found in his possession.
Defence lawyer Jola Fagbemi argued for leniency, citing Ward's health problems and financial difficulties. She explained that Ward had previously worked in construction and liquidation fields before a "forced" retirement due to his health issues. He was receiving support through the Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability program and the Canada Pension Plan but still faced economic hardship.
Joint Submission and Final Sentence
The seven-year prison sentence was the result of a joint submission by Fagbemi and Smith. After receiving credit for time served on remand, Ward will serve approximately six years and ten and a half months in prison. In his statement to the court, Ward acknowledged the wrongfulness of his actions, stating, "I know what I did was wrong." He also claimed to have warned others against selling fentanyl, saying, "Don't do that 'cause it's — all it does is kill people."
This case underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat drug trafficking in Regina, particularly involving dangerous substances like fentanyl. The sentencing reflects the serious consequences for such offenses, even when defendants cite personal circumstances like health problems or financial strain.
