Defence appeal from 11 year global sentence imposed after accused was convicted of importing 2.92 kg of heroin (street value of $875,000 – 1.7 million). Accused had secreted the heroin in a backpack on a flight from Belgium. 27 year old accused who “offered a tragic account of her upbringing.” Trial judge found that she had acted as a “mule”, knowingly importing the narcotic under the guidance of a co-passenger.
Held: Appeal dismissed.
No error in principle and the sentence imposed was fit. The range of sentence for importing heroin in this amount includes cases where up to 15 years in jail has justly been imposed.
D. Anderson – Defence Counsel