An Ontario man, Maisum Ansari, has been handed a 20-year prison sentence for his involvement in a drug operation that was discovered in 2017.

Oshawa Superior Court Judge Hugh O’Connell stated that while Ansari was not the main orchestrator behind the production of carfentanil, an extremely potent opioid, he played a significant role as a facilitator. Ansari allowed his Pickering house’s basement to be used as a drug lab while an unsuspecting family rented the upper floors.

Judge O’Connell emphasized that Ansari must have been aware of the presence of drugs, considering that he had installed a locking system and granted access to the mastermind of the drug operation, who has already been convicted. The court heard that Ansari had made his house available and allowed the primary producer and trafficker of the dangerous opioid to come and go freely.

The judge underscored the grave risk of numerous fatalities had the “exceptionally dangerous” drugs made it to the streets. Ansari was found guilty in February of over 100 gun possession and drug trafficking-related charges. The charges stemmed from the discovery of 26 kilograms of carfentanil and 33 guns, including rifles and handguns, in the basement apartment of Ansari’s property on Liatris Drive in Pickering.

Ansari had rented the upper floor to an innocent family, completely unaware of the illicit activities taking place in the basement. Babar Ali, who was identified as the mastermind of the drug operation, used the basement space. Ansari and Ali were apprehended when firefighters responded to a carbon monoxide detector alert and stumbled upon trays containing a powdered substance that was later confirmed to be carfentanil.

During the trial, Ansari pleaded not guilty to all charges and testified in his own defense, claiming no knowledge or control over the firearms and drugs found in his house. He alleged that Ali instructed him to remain silent after emergency crews arrived at the property, making him feel threatened. Ansari told police a fabricated story about the real occupant of the apartment, citing fear of Ali as the reason for his deception.

However, Judge O’Connell dismissed Ansari’s claims, finding aspects of his testimony peculiar and implausible. O’Connell noted that Ansari went to great lengths to mislead his other tenants about the basement’s usage, even attempting to dissuade them from calling emergency responders when the fire detectors were triggered.

The judge highlighted the significant quantity of drugs found in the house, which had the potential to produce 265,000 doses, further exacerbating the ongoing opioid crisis in the country. Federal prosecutor Chris Walsh stated that this seizure of carfentanil is the largest recorded to date. The prosecution argued for a life sentence, emphasizing the risk Ansari posed to the family living upstairs and the substantial street value of the drug and gun cache, estimated to be between $2 million and $10 million.

Defense counsel Leora Shemesh, on the other hand, contended that the Crown failed to establish Ansari’s precise role and lacked evidence suggesting that the lab was a lucrative enterprise for him. Shemesh requested a sentence of 16 years. Following the sentencing, Shemesh expressed her intention to seek bail for Ansari pending an appeal.

Babar Ali, the main figure in the drug operation, pleaded guilty in February 2022 to multiple charges and received a 23-year sentence, in addition to a $1 million fine. Ansari was not fined, but his home was forfeited. The tenants who resided upstairs have also sought restitution, which is yet to be addressed.

The trial, which commenced in March 2021, seemed to conclude after the Crown presented its case. However, the trial was reopened when Ansari decided to testify. The judgment was initially scheduled for September 2022 but was adjourned several times, leading to the recent sentencing.

Carfentanil, known as the “elephant tranquilizer” on the street due to its potency, is considered one of the most powerful opioids. The World Health Organization has highlighted its extreme danger and potential for harm.

The sentencing of Maisum Ansari serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of the opioid crisis and the crucial role played by facilitators in perpetuating the illicit drug trade. While Ansari may not have been directly involved in the production or trafficking of carfentanil, his actions allowed the operation to thrive, putting countless lives at risk.

The case also sheds light on the broader issue of drug-related crimes and the need for stringent measures to combat the proliferation of dangerous substances. The large quantity of carfentanil seized in this operation underscores the urgent need for robust law enforcement efforts, rehabilitation programs, and public awareness campaigns to address the ongoing opioid crisis.

Additionally, this case highlights the importance of maintaining vigilance in rental property management to prevent criminal activities from taking place on the premises. Landlords must remain diligent in conducting thorough background checks on potential tenants and be aware of any suspicious activities that may be occurring under their roof.

As the legal proceedings continue, with defense counsel intending to seek bail pending an appeal, the consequences of Ansari’s actions will linger. The impact on the unsuspecting family who resided in the upper floors of the house and the wider community cannot be overlooked. The justice system’s determination to hold individuals accountable for their involvement in drug-related offenses sends a strong message about the severity of such crimes and the imperative to protect public safety.

Efforts must continue to address the multifaceted challenges posed by the opioid crisis, from dismantling drug operations and arresting key players to providing support for those affected by addiction. Only through a comprehensive approach that combines law enforcement, education, and access to treatment can progress be made in mitigating the devastating consequences of drug abuse in our communities.