'Largest cocaine seizure in Island history' results in 5 year prison sentence

An Island man has been sentenced to five years in prison for what the provincial court judge called the biggest seizure of drugs in Island history.

On Wednesday, 37 year old John Lee Laybolt of Oyster Bed Bridge, P.E.I.,pleaded guilty in provincial court in Charlottetownto possession for the purpose of trafficking and to illegal possession of a firearm.

Charlottetown police seizeda total of 2.6 kilograms of cocaine, more than 3.6 kilograms of marijuana, $16,000 in cash, a handgun and other items, following execution of a search warrant in Laybolt's home May 4.

• Charlottetown police seize $750K in drugs after raid

"The largest seizure of cocaine in Island history is not something you want your name associated with," said judge Nancy Orr in handing down the sentence. "It's incredibly concerning that someone would use their time to spread that misery."

Police began using surveillance cameras to watchLaybolt in March, according to facts read in court by federal prosecutorJonathan Coady.

Officers observed him leaving a package containing cocaine at an outdoor location, according to Coady, and later obtained a warrant to search his home.

'There are serious consequences'

In addition to the drugs, money, cash and the .32-calibre handgun, Charlottetownalso seized a pellet gun, cash-counting machine, notebooksand equipment used to vacuum-sealplastic baggies.

The handgun was found in a drawer of a microwave stand in the residence, according to provincial crown prosecutor JeffMacDonald.

"The gun elevated the danger for anyone coming to his house to buy drugs," MacDonald told court."And it elevated the danger for police, if they had to make a high-risk arrest."

Police found no ammunition for the handgun, but they seizedshotgun shells from the residence.

Defence lawyer YolandeMurphy told court her client cooperated with policeand consented to remain in custodyfollowing his arrest.

This was an incredibly large quantity of drugs in a sophisticated operation. Nancy Orr

"He admits this was purely a business operation and understands the consequences he is facing and accepts responsibility," Murphy told court.

In addition to five years in prison, the judge ordered a lifetime weapons ban against Laybolt.

"This was an incredibly large quantity of drugs in a sophisticated operation," said Orr. "There are serious consequences. Every day we see the impact on people who become addicts."

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