Federal prison sentence issued for man caught in significant Nanaimo drug bust

Virus claimed a backpack he was carrying belonged to a drug dealer, who he refused to identify. It contained most of the drugs and nearly $21,000 cash.

According to an agreed statement of facts, Virus acquired the backpack minutes earlier inside the shopping centre from the dealer who asked him to temporarily carry his belongings as a favour.

An arrest warrant for drug trafficking applied against Virus for separate alleged offences the morning he was apprehended by a Mountie on routine patrol.

A large amount of the drugs and associated paraphernalia were found in Virus’ pockets, pants, waste band and boxer shorts.

Small amounts of crack cocaine and heroin were also found on Virus.

Two phones, hundreds of small baggies to be filled with drugs for individual sale on the streets and a knife were recovered during the arrest.

Terrance Virus was arrested in this parking lot by a Nanaimo RCMP officer on general patrol on Jan. 17, 2021. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

A hearing held prior to sentencing saw Virus’ lawyer attempt to reduce his clients moral culpability in part due to substance use disorder.

In the hearing, Virus testified he had his own three day supply of drugs and agreed to hold onto his friend’s supply with the belief he’d receive a portion in return.

Virus, who had 58 prior convictions for a range of crimes including violent offences, said he funded his drug habit by breaking into cars and stealing from liquor stores.

The Crown failed to prove Virus knew about the bulk of recovered cash and knife in the backpack.

A seven year prison term was advocated by the Crown, highlighting the amount and potency of the drugs, while the defence requested a time served penalty of 18 months.

Provincial court Judge Brian Harvey said he was skeptical of much of what Virus had to say at the pre-sentence hearing, stating the offender would have been keenly aware of the drug toxicity crisis in Nanaimo.

“He was prepared to assist his friend in perpetuating the untold havoc and misery in this community by trafficking to others despite the sobering statistics.”

Judge Harvey swiftly rejected the time served sentence recommended by the defence.

“In my view such a sentence would be inappropriate, it would be unfit on the circumstances.”

Virus had a long-standing drug addiction and only one clear period of sobriety lasting five years.

His latest life spiral occurred after a serious fall during his job as roofer in late 2016, resulting in homelessness and addiction after his pain medication ceased.

Virus said he had 20 friends in Nanaimo who died from tainted drugs and that he had overdosed many times.

Virus attended his sentencing hearing via video feed from the Vancouver Island Regional Correctional Centre in Saanich.

He slumped forward in his seat with dejection upon hearing the sentence.

Virus is scheduled to serve a further four-and-a-half years in prison due to credit for time already served.

He was ordered to provide a DNA sample and handed a lifetime firearms and prohibited weapons ban.

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by Ian Holmes

Federal prison sentence issued for man caught in significant Nanaimo drug bust

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