AFTER pleading guilty, the suspect of a drug trafficking case, which was connected to an overdose death of a 13-year-old, has been sentenced to four months of open custody, two months of community supervision, and 18 months of intensive support and supervision.

The youth, who cannot be named because of his age, pleaded guilty on September 24. 2018, to one count of trafficking in a controlled substance.

“Essentially, he was sentenced to two months in youth detention, followed by community supervision, and intensive support and supervision,” said New Westminster Police Sgt. Jeff Scott. “We continue to work closely with our community partners to help educate teenagers about the risk of drug use, and to provide assistance to parents and guardians as they navigate the challenges and complexities of supporting their teenagers.”

On July 15, 2017, two teens purchased MDMA from a street-level drug dealer at the 22nd Street Skytrain Station in New Westminster. The teens were returning to their residence in Port Coquitlam when the 13-year-old went into medical distress and later died in hospital. Toxicology results later confirmed that the 13-year-old died of a lethal overdose of MDMA.

The NWPD Street Crime Unit conducted a lengthy and thorough investigation, and with the assistance of the Coquitlam RCMP, Transit Police, and the Vancouver Police, the youth suspect was charged and pleaded guilty.