Fatal overdose of Mathis Boivin: suspects plead guilty to drug trafficking

The two individuals accused of drug trafficking in connection with the death of a 15-year-old boy last year pled guilty to multiple charges this week.

BACKGROUND: 15-year-old Montreal boy killed by drug more potent than fentanyl, father warns youth to beware

Laxshan Mylvaganam, 24, pled guilty on Tuesday to five charges of possession and trafficking of narcotics. He was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison.

A 17-year-old — whose identity is protected because he is a minor – also pled guilty to drug possession and trafficking. He was sentenced to six months in custody and 12 months of probation, with 100 hours of community service.

The pair was arrested in September in connection with the December 2023 overdose death of Mathis Boivin, who mistakenly took a single dose of isotonitazene before going to bed and never woke up. The synthetic opioid is considered more potent than fentanyl. According to the boy’s family, Mathis thought he was taking oxycontin.

‘It’s not enough’

Father Christian Boivin says the sentences are simply not long enough.

“Maybe he will do one-year-and-a-half,” Boivin told CityNews Thursday. “I think it’s not enough for someone who sold some drug that killed.

“And we don’t know if we will do this again after he gets out of the jail. But I hope he will be, how can I say, conscious that he killed people.”

Boivin acknowledges the penalties are in line with drug possession and trafficking, but feels this case is different.

“It’s a homicide, Boivin said. “Because they know what they sell, they mix.”

“Maybe the law can change.”

Since Mathis’ death, Boivin has been speaking to parents and youth, raising awareness about the dangers of opioids.

“Parents have to learn more,” he said. “They have to teach their kids and they have to speak about, ‘this is the symptom of an opioid overdose, know it, be sure you’re with friends, having Naloxone at home’ don’t wait.”

The grieving father says the holidays — again this year — will not be a cheerful time.

“For us Christmas time will be hard for a long time,” he said. “I will continue to do awareness, I will continue for the rest of my life.”

“I hope things will change.”