U.S. man gets 15 years for attempting to smuggle drugs into Canada

A 69-year-old U.S. man has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for his role in a failed attempt to smuggle a significant drug cache into Canada. John Michael Sherwood planned to use a jet ski to tow an inflatable raft laden with drugs across the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

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It was certainly one of the larger seizures we’ve seen in a single event.

The plot came to light in 2021 when duffel bags containing approximately 180 kilograms of methamphetamine and nearly one kilogram of fentanyl washed ashore on a beach near Port Angeles, Washington. U.S. authorities determined the drugs were destined for Vancouver Island.

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It’s got a very low observability; it might not show up on radar if someone is out there.

Assistant United States Attorney Vince Lombardi described the seizure as one of the larger ones seen in a single event. Investigators pieced together Sherwood's activities through surveillance footage showing him purchasing boating supplies, alongside text messages and cellphone data. RCMP surveillance also played a role in uncovering the cross-border operation.

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The behaviour of the smuggler was pretty inept; you have to assume that he’s just a pawn.

Evidence recovered included a note referencing Canadian citizen Kevin Gartry, who U.S. authorities allege was waiting to receive the shipment on southern Vancouver Island. Gartry is currently in custody in Canada on unrelated charges. Criminology professor Yvon Dandurand noted that while this specific smuggling attempt was inept and resulted in seizure, the underlying demand for drugs and the organizations involved remain active.

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The fact that some drugs were seized in this case is not going to change the picture completely. The organizations are still there, the demand for the drug is still there.