Executive Summary
- Dale Dunham, 37, sentenced to eight years in Fredericton provincial court.
- Defendant pleaded guilty to trafficking fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine.
- Charges stemmed from two separate arrests in June and December 2024.
- Police seized bear spray and proceeds of crime during the investigations.
FREDERICTON, N.B. – A Hoyt man was sentenced to eight years in prison on Friday following his conviction on multiple drug trafficking charges involving significant quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine.
Dale Dunham, 37, appeared in Fredericton provincial court where Judge Mélanie Poirier LeBlanc delivered the sentence. The ruling addresses offenses stemming from two separate police interactions in 2024. According to court records, Dunham entered guilty pleas to counts of possession of fentanyl and cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of a weapon—specifically bear spray—for the purpose of committing an offense, and possession of proceeds of crime linked to an arrest on June 5, 2024.
Court filings further detail that Dunham admitted to additional charges related to an incident on December 5, 2024. These subsequent charges included possession of fentanyl and methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime. The court noted the recurrence of the criminal activity in determining the appropriate custodial term.
Judicial Sentencing Context
The sentencing of Dale Dunham underscores the judiciary’s rigid stance against repeat offenders involved in the distribution of high-potency opioids. By imposing a significant eight-year term, the court is signaling a prioritization of public safety and a zero-tolerance approach toward the trafficking of fentanyl, a substance responsible for widespread health crises. This case highlights the legal ramifications for individuals who continue to operate within the illicit drug trade, particularly those who recidivate shortly after initial law enforcement contact.
