A Prince George man who was found with marijuana and cocaine in his vehicle when he was pulled over for speeding was sentenced Thursday to 30 months probation.
William Wall, 60, was arrested on Feb. 24, 2015 on Highway 16 when he was caught near Purden Ski Village driving 64 km/h in a 50 km/h zone that had been established for the Canada Winter Games.
The RCMP officer who pulled him over noticed a strong smell of marijuana and subsequently uncovered about 2.7 kilograms (six pounds) of marijuana inside a toolbox sitting in the back seat and a 28-gram (one-ounce) lump of cocaine in a cigarette package in the console.
Police had originally identified the cocaine as methamphetamine.
Wall subsequently told police he was delivering the items as a one-time favour to a friend and stood to earn about $500 for his effort. Police later estimated the value of the marijuana at $9,000 and the cocaine at $1,600.
Crown counsel had argued for 15 months in jail B.C. Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Humphries agreed with defence counsel Jason LeBlond's position that probation was more in order.
Wall's criminal record amounted to two minor convictions for possession committed in 1983 and 1975 and Humphries found he was not leading the life of a drug trafficker and was not caught actually selling drugs.
Wall must spend the first six months under house arrest and will only be able to leave the property with written permission of his parole officer or in the event of a medical emergency. He must also complete 50 hours of community work service during the first year.
