A Kamloops man will go to jail after RCMP found him in possession of methamphetamine and a cellphone — a suspected dial-a-dope operation.

Gerald Oberholzer was sentenced to 60 days in jail and banned from owning firearms for 10 years.

Federal Crown prosecutor Anthony Varesi recommended six months jail, while defence lawyer Jeremy Jensen said Oberholzer, an addict fueling his own need, should stay out of jail and instead receive a conditional sentence order of 12 months.

“Mr. Oberholzer has to be deterred from this behaviour, as do others,” said B.C. Supreme Court justice Hope Hyslop.

Oberholzer was pulled over by police on Jan. 11 this year. They noticed powder on the seat of his car. It was later determined the powder was 2.5 grams of methamphetamine, valued at about $250.

Jensen successfully argued for the return of $425 in cash also found in the car. While the courts usually consider it proceeds of crime, Jensen produced receipts from scrap metal return that he said resulted in the cash.

Hyslop said she accepts the receipts and also noted Oberholzer’s wife has no income while he is in jail and will be in need.