Vernon drug smuggler has day parole extended

A Vernon man jailed for 15 years for drug smuggling has had his day parole extended. In 2017, Ronald J Learning was sentenced to six years behind bars https://infotel.ca/newsitem/vernon-judge-makes-an-example-of-man-convicted-of-more-than-20-gun-drug-and-identity-charges/it44031 after he attempted to import 363 grams of heroin from Thailand. Police raided the Vernon basement where he lived and uncovered guns, a stolen passport and birth certificate, drugs, scales and money. At the time of sentencing, Learning was already in jail having been sentenced to nine years for his part https://infotel.ca/newsitem/vernon-man-involved-in-huge-cross-border-drug-smuggling-ring-going-to-jail/it31775  in an international drug smuggling operation. Learning had driven across the U.S.-Canada border in a remote part of Montana and Saskatchewan with 30 kilograms of cocaine in a hidden compartment in a van. The drugs were said to be worth between $1.2 million and $2.3 million. However, unbeknownst to him, the RCMP were already on to it and had swapped out the drugs. He headed through Saskatchewan until he finally arrived in Salmon Arm where he attempted to sell the drugs to an undercover RCMP officer. The smuggling operation was headed by Silver Star resident Brock Ernest Palfrey who got 18 years jail. Learning appealed his sentence, saying 15 years for the two offences https://infotel.ca/newsitem/vernon-drug-smuggler-loses-last-chance-at-appeal/it66517 was too harsh, but lost in 2019. After seven years behind bars, he was granted day parole in 2023. According to a Nov. 29 Parole Board of Canada decision, Learning is doing well on parole and is employed full-time with a plumbing and heating company as an apprentice. He also has a partner, who he appears to have been with before being granted parole. "There has been no indication of any breach-related activity, you have not been suspected of engaging in substance use nor have there been concerns with your choice of associates to date," the Parole Board decision read. READ MORE: Violent Penticton domestic abuser delays inevitable jail time https://infotel.ca/newsitem/violent-penticton-domestic-abuser-delays-inevitable-jail-time/it107364 The Parole Board states that Learning accepts responsibility for his crimes and no longer downplays his role in the drug smuggling operations, which he'd done in the past saying he was "just a transporter." "(You) now admit and understand how your actions contributed to the drug trade and had a negative impact on the community," the decision said. "You reportedly understand your crime cycle and have been taking active steps to mitigate your risk to reoffend." The decision said there were several issues when Learning was in custody and glue crystals were found in his cell. He also admitted to having a USB thumb drive in his TV. However, the Parole Board noted he tested negative for drugs in February 2023 and there was a noted improvement in his behaviour. Learnings day parole will be reviewed in six months. The decision didn't say where Learning is currently living in Canada. To contact a reporter for this story, email Ben Bulmer mailto:bbulmer@infonews.ca  or call (250) 309-5230 or email the editor mailto:news@infonews.ca . You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom mailto:tips@infonews.ca  and be entered to win a monthly prize draw. We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above. SUBSCRIBE to our awesome newsletter here https://infotel.ca/newsletter .