Crown seeks ‘significant’ sentence for drug lord arrested off mission

Article content

A drug dealer armed with a concealed .38 special pistol when arrested outside the Downtown Mission two years ago was convicted Wednesday of a long list of criminal charges, including three counts of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

Article content

Tasked with arresting a suspect described as potentially armed and dangerous, heavily armed members of the Windsor Police Service’s emergency services unit drew weapons when they approached Manuel Hernandez and ordered him to drop to the ground in a parking lot on January 9, 2020.

In addition to a large number of illicit drugs, Hernández had the loaded and restrained pistol tucked into the waistband of his pants. The arresting officers also found a canister of bear spray and a large-bladed knife in his jacket.

The defense tried in the recent trial to have the charges dismissed on the grounds of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms of “excessive and unreasonable force” used by the police in his arrest, as well as arguing deficiencies in the information provided by the police to a judge. of peace in obtaining a search warrant.

Article content

But in his ruling read Wednesday, Superior Court Judge Brian Dube said “the evidence is simply overwhelming” in pointing out Hernandez’s guilt. He was placed in pretrial detention pending a sentencing hearing in February.

After the trial, US Attorney Sue Szasz told the Windsor Star that the Crown will seek a “significant” prison sentence for Hernandez, who has a criminal record that includes a prior conviction for aggravated battery.

According to Dube, one of the officers who previously testified in court said Hernández told police at the time of his arrest: “Yes, this is not my first rodeo.”

Acting on the trail of an informant, the Windsor Police Drugs and Weapons Unit (DIGS) launched an investigation, including surveillance of Hernandez at a Howard Avenue motel for two days, during which at least two known local criminals with a long history were briefly observed visiting his room. .

Article content

When he was arrested outside the mission, Hernández was carrying 10 plastic bags containing about 300 grams of fentanyl, with part of the narcotic mixed with heroin; two sachets with about 20 grams of powdered cocaine; 52 capsules of hydromorphone and 0.9 grams of methamphetamine; a digital scale and $ 2,650 in cash.

The judge echoed what an officer told the court, that these amounts of narcotics represented more than a simple street dealer could have in his possession. Another electronic scale, two “machete-type weapons” and a “list of debts” were seized at the motel.

Article content

In challenging the Defense Letter, attorney Ken Marley had noted “significant wording” in the search warrant request that the police intended to protect the identity of “Source A”, who was described by his confidential informant as a drug user. that he had previously bought drugs from Hernández. Source A was aware of the local drug subculture, but bragged about having a criminal record.

He had assisted DIGS with a previous drug bust and knew Hernández by his nickname “Amigo,” described by Fuente A as a “one-eyed Mexican guy who used to live in Frenchy’s house.” A Spanish translator assisted Hernández in the courtroom on Wednesday.

[email protected]

twitter.com/schmidtcity