Construction worker jailed for drug deal

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This article was published 06/05/2010 (5607 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A Winnipeg construction worker is headed to prison after admitting to trafficking drugs on behalf of the Hells Angels.

Kyle Andrew Oliferchuk, 31, pleaded guilty Wednesday to selling four ounces of cocaine to an undercover police agent last November. The drug was only 22 per cent pure and had been severely diluted, court was told.

The deal was arranged during a meeting at the Tim Hortons on Archibald Street and was captured on police surveillance happening at Charlee’s Restaurant on Stadacona Street, court was told. Oliferchuk was paid $3,200 in marked police bills in exchange for the drugs.

Oliferchuk was sentenced to three years behind bars, in addition to five months of pretrial custody, under a joint-recommendation from Crown and defence lawyers.

Oliferchuk was one of 31 people arrested in December as part of a 13-month police investigation called Project Divide, which targeted members and associates of the motorcycle gang. He is the sixth accused to plead guilty. Crown attorney Chris Mainella told court earlier this week the Crown is prepared to recommend lenient sentences for those accused who wish to admit responsibility at an early stage.

Oliferchuk has a previous criminal history, including several breaches of court orders, but no direct ties to the Hells Angels. He was recruited by a friend — a former gang prospect — to be a courier in exchange for some easy money, court was told.

Defence lawyer Jay Prober said his client plans to make a fresh start when he is released on parole, including getting married to his girlfriend. Queen’s Bench Chief Justice Marc Monnin warned Oliferchuk his sentences will only increase if he continues to be involved in criminal activity.

www.mikeoncrime.com