Castlegar woman sentenced for drug trafficking

Silvina Cancela, a 60-year-old woman from Castlegar, has received an 18-month conditional sentence following drug trafficking charges. The sentencing follows a 2023 RCMP investigation involving search warrants executed on two local homes, which resulted in the seizure of suspected cocaine, trafficking items, cash, and a vehicle.

Cancela entered a guilty plea to one count in February 2026. Her sentence includes six months of house arrest, with limited permissions for employment, medical care, and essential errands. For the remaining 12 months, she will be subject to a 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew. Additionally, she must complete 20 hours of community service, adhere to prohibitions on alcohol and drug use, and observe a 10-year firearms prohibition.

Co-defendant Humberto Cancela, 64, received a stay of proceedings, which halts the criminal prosecution without serving as an acquittal.