A 23-year-old human trafficker who sold opioids stronger than fentanyl received three years in prison after two of his customers died of overdoses in Alma, Lac-Saint-Jean.
David Laroque continued to sell them even after these events. He was sentenced to three years in prison because the court found it difficult to determine his exact share of responsibility for the two deaths.
“The two victims died of multiple poisoning,” recalled the head of criminal and law enforcement, Me Amélie Gilbert. So different substances from different people. It became difficult to determine the proportion or role of each substance before the court.”
In November 2022, the two Almatois, including a friend of the defendant, died 24 hours apart from an overdose related to opioids purchased from David Larocque. Police discovered illegal equipment at his home.
However, in January 2022, another 22-year-old man was barely revived after an opioid overdose sold by none other than David Larocque.
The investigation intensified and the trafficker was arrested in April 2023. “My client has consumption problems,” admitted defense attorney Me François Dionne. In these cases, the main thing is to find the money necessary to continue.”
In court, the defendant said he believed he was selling Dilaudid and not pills stronger than fentanyl, which the court said “has no bearing on his liability.” Traffickers sell what their suppliers sell them or what they claim to sell. They do the same thing to consumers.”
“When the government uses public money to virtually recommend taking naloxone in one's home or in the event of an overdose, that is evidence that the problem is glaring,” Judge Hudon added.
“These are street drugs,” Me Gilbert commented. We cannot control the type or quality of what is inside. The message being sent today is that human trafficking has serious consequences.”
Immediately after the verdict was announced, the father of one of the two young victims was deported after he threatened to physically attack the defendant. The father of the other victim, without giving an on-camera interview, spoke of a disappointing verdict and that it was up to the court to impose harsher sentences to combat the scourge of drugs.
“My client understands that these people need to grieve,” Me Dionne responded. He doesn't want retaliation, just as he won't retaliate. It is hoped that time will allow all parties to mourn.”
Given the time already served, Larocque will spend an additional 23 months in prison.
The families of the two deceased teenagers and the defendant already knew each other before the tragic events.