Judge sentences drug matriarch who ruled with ‘iron fist’ to 10 years

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This article was published 25/06/2024 (441 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Gasps and tears filled a Winnipeg courtroom Tuesday afternoon as the admitted matriarch of a Point Douglas crack cocaine ring was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison.

Court of King’s Bench Justice Ken Champagne issued the sentence to 60-year-old Sandra Guiboche, after hearing submissions from the Crown and defence earlier this month.

“This was her organization and she ruled it with an iron fist. She was the president and CEO. She was involved in all aspects of the drug organization,” said Champagne, reading from a lengthy written decision, calling her the “kingpin” of the crack ring.

Guiboche earlier pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to traffic in cocaine.

Champagne said Tuesday her sentence would have been longer, if not for her guilty plea and personal circumstances; a conviction on the charge carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.

“The message to those at the top of the hierarchy… must be clear: There will be a steep price to pay upon conviction,” said Champagne.

Guiboche was the primary target of a five-month Winnipeg police investigation dubbed Project Matriarch, and is alleged to have been dealing drugs in the Point Douglas area on and off for 25 years.

“The damage and devastation caused by drug trafficking organizations supplying crack cocaine to the community is massive,” said Champagne. “The impact on the North Point Douglas community was profound. Sandra Guiboche owned the neighbourhood.”

She was among 27 people arrested in the spring of 2021 following a months-long investigation that resulted in the seizure of more than $2.3 million worth of drugs and property.

The drug ring sold crack cocaine that was dyed pink — a branding for her customers to recognize. Guiboche also used the trademark to determine if other traffickers were encroaching on her territory by selling regular white crack.

Crown prosecutor Kate Henley had sought a sentence of 10 years in prison, while defence lawyer Saul Simmonds asked for a sentence of between seven and eight years, citing her age, failing health and personal history.

She has mobility issues and at times uses a wheelchair, as well as long-term complications due to a 2011 stroke and a later heart surgery. She also has damaged vocal cords.

“I note none of these serious health issues diminished her drive and determination to operate the day-to-day business of a high-level drug trafficking organization,” said Champagne.

“The message to those at the top of the hierarchy… must be clear: There will be a steep price to pay upon conviction.”–Court of King’s Bench Justice Ken Champagne

Guiboche was wheeled from the courtroom by sheriffs after the sentence, as supporters cried and told her they loved her.

During the course of the investigation, police intercepted more than 60,000 wiretap and text communications, a large volume of which captured Guiboche directing the actions of drug-ring participants, including six of her own family members.

Police also surveilled her drug properties and sent in undercover officers to purchase crack cocaine.

Simmonds earlier argued Guiboche began dealing with good intentions, trying to help already-addicted friends and family who were getting sick by using tainted crack.

“That may have been the case at the outset, but once she decided to return to the world of drug trafficking, she was all in,” said Champagne.

The judge pointed to how Guiboche dismissed an underling’s concerns about the health and safety of workers and customers at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in December 2020.

“Guiboche would have none of it, responding, and I quote, ‘They can wear a f—-ing mask,’” said Champagne. “Ms. Guiboche has a compromised voice, but her messages are loud and clear … Ms. Guiboche no longer had any concerns for the health and well being of others.”

The province seized eight of the 10 Point Douglas properties Guiboche owned or co-owned with co-accused Amanda Rouse, three of which were rented out to members of the drug ring and used to process and stash drugs, said Champagne.

“I am sure army generals would be impressed by the way she fortified her territory,” the judge said of her properties that lined Lisgar Avenue and the entrance to the avenue on Austin Street North.

“Ms. Guiboche has a compromised voice, but her messages are loud and clear … Ms. Guiboche no longer had any concerns for the health and well being of others.”–Justice Ken Champagne

Guiboche and other top members of the drug ring purchased kilos of powdered cocaine from three suppliers, which were then converted to crack at one of her properties on Lisgar Avenue.

Once processed and packaged, the drugs were then picked up by “dishers” who distributed the drugs for sale by dealers at another Lisgar Avenue “crack shack.”

Guiboche has 25 prior criminal convictions, nine of them for drug offences. In 1999, she was sentenced to six years in prison after she was arrested for heading a “dial-a-dealer” operation.

Champagne noted Guiboche, who is Métis, faced abuse and neglect in childhood and has long-standing addictions issues. She will be banned from possessing weapons for life and ordered to hand over her DNA to police.

Rouse, 56, was sentenced to three years in prison in May, after earlier pleading guilty to conspiracy to traffic in cocaine.

erik.pindera@freepress.mb.ca

Erik Pindera
Reporter

Erik Pindera is a reporter for the Free Press, mostly focusing on crime and justice. The born-and-bred Winnipegger attended Red River College Polytechnic, wrote for the community newspaper in Kenora, Ont. and reported on television and radio in Winnipeg before joining the Free Press in 2020.  Read more about Erik.

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