In a recent court ruling at the Blue Water Bridge, a Southwestern Ontario man, Olanrewaju (Michael) Ojelade, was sentenced to 11 years in prison for his involvement in a $5-million cocaine bust. This hefty sentence was accompanied by a strong statement from the presiding judge, who emphasized Ojelade’s high moral culpability in the case.
The Arrest and Charges
Ojelade, a 34-year-old Brantford resident known for his previous involvement in recruiting teenage basketball players, was apprehended on May 24, 2019, at the bridge connecting the Sarnia area to Michigan. The arrest followed a discovery by Canada Border Services Agency officers who found 48 one-kilogram packages of cocaine meticulously concealed in a secret steel compartment beneath the third row of seats in his 2013 Chevrolet Traverse. The cocaine, with purity levels ranging between 85% and 91%, held a substantial street value estimated between $2.3 million and $5.3 million.
Initially facing charges of drug possession, importing, and trafficking, Ojelade ultimately pleaded guilty to one count of importing after a lengthy legal process that included a three-week trial.
Sentencing Arguments
During the sentencing hearing in January, Stephane Marinier, representing the Public Prosecution Service of Canada, advocated for a 12-year sentence, alleging Ojelade’s involvement with a criminal organization in orchestrating the large cocaine importation. Marinier emphasized greed as Ojelade’s primary motivator, citing his extensive research on high-end money counters and previous cocaine-related arrests.
In contrast, Ojelade’s defense argued for a nine-year sentence, portraying him as a mere courier in a larger drug importation network and highlighting his lack of a criminal record prior to this incident.
Judge’s Verdict and Rationale
Judge Raikes settled on an 11-year sentence, attributing Ojelade’s actions to deliberate planning rather than an opportunistic crime. Raikes noted that Ojelade took a calculated risk, fully aware of the illegal nature of his activities.
Despite Ojelade’s lack of prior criminal history and his dedication to his family and religion, the judge underscored the severity of his offense, which not only involved a substantial quantity of cocaine but also posed risks to unsuspecting individuals, including his own children, due to the dangerous concealment method used.
In his statement to the court, Ojelade expressed remorse for his actions, acknowledging their wrongful nature, and expressed a desire to reform and contribute positively during his time in custody.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the legal consequences and societal impact of drug trafficking, especially when large quantities of illicit substances are involved.
