Case | Offence | Amount | Plea | Sentence | Appeal | Record | Facts |
Lankreijer
NSW CCA
14.6.1991 | Import | 232.7g (pure) | PG | 3y 6m
NPP 2y 6m | AD |  | Addict – heroin for own use and for friends and associates.
Suffered spasticity in arm. |
Chebat
NSW CCA
25.7.1991 | Import | 606g (pure) | VG | 10y
NPP 8y 6m | AA
10y
NPP 6y | Nil known | Concealed in suitcase – Courier |
Ndubuisi
NSW CCA
27.3.1992 | Import
Possess proh import | 378g | PG | FT 5y 6m | AA
6y
NPP 4y | | Nigerian involved as courier. Heroin concealed in his body. Importation towards bottom end of scale. |
Gurung
NSW CCA
22.5.1992
Co-accused:
LAWLESS
(possess prohibited import) | Import | 151g (70% pure) | PG | 6y 6m
NPP 4y 6m | AD | nil | Swallowed condoms filled with H. Courier
Nepalese - Background of poverty |
Dowe
(59)
NSW CCA
26.3.1993 | Import | 80g (pure) | VG | 6y
NPP 4y | AD | nil | Arrested at airport with 17 packets in shoes.
No contrition, some co-operation with authorities. |
El-Cheikh
NSW CCA
26.3.1993 | Import | 44.5g (pure) | PG | 6y 6m
NPP 4y 4m | AD | gaol for supply heroin in Aust. | Heroin in body – Part for own use, part for sale. |
Kelly
NSW CCA
20.4.1993 | Import | 41.1g (pure) | PG | 3y 6m
NPP 2y | AA
3y
NPP 18m
(assistance) | | Purchased in Thailand for $960. Primarily for own use.
Heroin addict, unemployed. |
Clarke
NSW CCA
23.4.1993 | Import
Possess proh imports | 94.2g (77.4% pure) | PG | 6y 6m
NPP 4y 4m | AD | prison in Sweden for importation | Imported heroin in body. Heroin imported for sale. |
Gedid
(50)
NSW CCA
23.4.1993 | Import | 961g (pure) | VG | 7y
NPP 5y | AD
“Well within the discretion.” | Nil | Lebanese woman, sick. One dependent child and elderly husband in Lebanon. |
Zielinski
NSW CCA
21.5.1993 | Import | 667.3g | VG | 6y
NPP 3y 6m | Crown AA
7y 6m
NPP 4y | | Female - Recruitment of 15y daughter an aggravating factor – Drugs carried internally and in daughter’s shoes. |
Turner
NSW CCA
21.5.1993 | Import | 685.5g pure | PG | 7y 6m
NPP 4y 6m | AD | nil | Apprehended at airport with drugs strapped to body. Courier
Excellent prior character - army service, assistance to police, prospects of rehabilitation. |
Sanna
(49)
NSW CCA
21.5.1993 | Import | 863g (pure) | VG | 9y
NPP 5y | AD | | Drugs in suit-case. Did not speak English. |
Rachid
(63)
NSW CCA
13.8.1993 | Import | 105g (pure) | PG | 5y 6m
NPP 4y | AD | nil | Travelled from Lebanon, to be paid $5000 Courier. Wanted to finance eye surgery.
Conditions of detention for non-English speaking foreigner, late plea at arraignment. |
Drazkiewic
(43)
NSW CCA 23.11.1993 | Knowingly concerned in importation | 165g (pure) | PG | 8y
NPP 6y | AA
7y
NPP 4y 6m | nil | Importation from Thailand with 4 co-off: 2 couriers and 2 planners. Sentenced as courier.
Late plea, good character discount for absence of remissions |
Sukjai- Crawshaw
NSW CCA
3.6.1994 | Import | 130.1g (pure) | | 6y
NPP 4y | AA
4y
NPP 2y 6m
SJ did not have information about mental illness. | | Swallowed H. Drugs valued at $70K. Sentenced as courier.
Gave some information to police but was of little assistance. Was a serious chronic paranoid schizophrenic. |
El-Khoury
NSW CCA
30.9.1994 | Import | 99.9g (pure) | PG | 6y
NPP 3y 6m | AD | | Female with drugs concealed by insertion into vagina. Estimated street value of $190- $280K. Failed to discharge onus that it was for her own use.
Middle aged woman from Lebanon entering on a 3 month visa. Dependent children in Lebanon. |
Nguyen
NSW CCA
6.10.1994 | Import | 250g (pure) | VG | 8y
NPP 5y | AD | prior for attempt import | Sentenced as “more than a mere courier”. Drug hidden in shoe sole.
Heroin addict |
Chaaroui
NSW CCA
4.11.1994 | Import | 92.8g (pure) | PG | 6y
NPP 4y | AD | | Paid $20,000 to import drugs. |
Kiely
NSW CCA
10.11.1994 | Knowingly concerned in importation | 409.1g (pure) | PG | 9y
NPP 4y | Crown AA
Failure to give assistance
9y
NPP 5y | | Took delivery of drugs in Hong Kong – Delivered to couriers |
Schrei
NSW CCA
24.11.1995 | Import | 18g (pure) | PG | FT 5y | AA
5y
NPP 3y 6m | | Refused to “pass” packages in his anal tract. Courier. |
Elchami
(59)
NSW CCA
15.12.1995 | Import | 548g (pure) | PG | 7y
NPP 5y | AD | nil | Lebanese man approached drug dealer to obtain fair to visit son in Australia. |
Doan
NSW CCA
27.9.1996. | Import | 170.8g (pure) | VG | 6y
NPP 3y 6m | AD | | Female - No higher than courier. Wore shoes with heroin concealed. Possibly to receive a share of $10,000. |
Zayat
NSW CCA
22.11.1996 | Import | 165g (pure) | PG | FT 5y | AD | | To be paid $10,000 to go to Lebanon and bring back drugs. |
Le
NSW CCA
22.11.1996 | Import | 570.3g (pure) | PG | 7y
NPP 4y 6m | AD | | Female committed offence because of financial difficulties. Some assistance to authorities. |
Lee
(23)
Ng
(23)
NSW CCA
20.12.1996 | Import
Import | 488g pure
301g pure | PG
PG | 8y
NPP 6y
8y
NPP 6y | AA
8y
NPP 5y 3m
AA
8y
NPP 5y 3m | nil
nil | Couriers arrested at airport. Drugs concealed in chocolate bars and shoes.
No connections to Australia
Assistance to authorities. |
Maman
(31)
NSW CCA
27.3.1997 | Import | 461.8g (pure) | PG | 9y | AA
8y
NPP 5y | nil | Apprehended at airport. Courier motivated by greed.
No assistance. Israeli with strong family ties on Australia. |
Lawson
(18)
Wu
(38)
Thapa
(18)
(1997) 98 A Crim R 463 | Import
Knowingly involved in import
Import | 320g (pure)
666g (pure)
346g (pure) | PG
PG
PG | 3y 6m
NPP 2y
9y
NPP 6y
3y 6m
NPP 2y | Crown AA
6y
NPP 3y 6m
Crown AD
Crown AA
6y
NPP 3y 6m | nil
serious drug offences
nil | L and T each recruited by W to be couriers. L and T carrying drugs internally. W to collect drugs from them when possible.
L a US national
T had Burmese and British nationality. Neither had priors.
Little that could be said in favour of W |
Dodd
(40)
Kavinmethavee
NSW CCA
30.6.1998 | Conspiracy to import
Conspiracy to import | Small trafficable amount | PG
PG | 12y
NPP 9y
6y
NPP 4y | AA
10y
NPP 6y 6m
4y
NPP 2y 6m | minor drugs, on parole
nil | D and K went to Thailand to purchase H. D returned and K organised couriers.
K apprehended at Bangkok. Informed on couriers and returned home. Arrested in Sydney. Informed on D. Intermediary.
D was organiser, although motivated by addiction. Relatively small trafficable quantity. |
Chu
NSW CCA
16.10.1998 | Import | 851.9g (pure) | VG | 7y
NPP 4y 6m | AA
6y
NPP 3y 9m
(assistance) | | Courier. Brought in two bottles of scotch with heroin inside. Told police he was aware he was bringing in an illegal substance. Agreed to a controlled delivery which resulted in arrest of co-accused. |
Tamotsu
(1999) 109 A Crim R 193
Co-offenders
SUGAHARA
WATANABE (import commercial) | Import
Conspiracy to import | 1.481.5g (pure) | | 11y
NPP 7y 6m | AA
10y 3m
NPP 6y 3m | | Drugs found on A as he came through customs. Admitted to police he had done the same three months earlier. |
Ha
(28)
NSW CCA [385]
26.11.1999 | Knowingly involved in import
Possess prohibited imports | 317.9g (pure)
226.72g (pure) | PG | 12y
NPP 8y
FT 4y (concurrent) | AA
10y
NPP 6y 6m | nil | Frequent traveller between Vietnam and Australia. Sent heroin by post to Vietnam. More heroin found at house.
Regarded as sole operator or one of principals. |
K
(24)
NSW CCA[200]
18.5.2000 | Import | 720.6g (pure) | PG | 7y
NPP 4y
(40% discount for assistance) | AA
(above guideline)
5y
NPP 3y | nil - although previously acted as courier between Thailand and Indonesia | Arrested at airport with heroin in suitcase. Participated in controlled delivery to principal. Treated as courier. |
Olbrich
(58)
(2000) 117 A Crim R 326 | Import | 1184g (pure) | PG | 8y 6m
NPP 6y | AA
8y 6m
NPP 5y
(to take into account effect of long appeal process on conditions of incarceration) | | Imported heroin in luggage. No evidence of A’s position in drug organisation. Paid $15,000 to import drugs.
Cooperation with police. |
Auv
(23)
NSW CCA [375]
9.8.2002 | Import | 242.2g (pure) | PG | 8y 6m
NPP 6y | AA
7y 6m
NPP 5y | nil relevant | Male – Treated as principal - Facts not stated.
Assistance to police about importation of heroin into Australia from Cambodia. |
Tanudjaja
NSW CCA [467]
19.11.2002 | Import | 344g (pure) | PG | 6y
NPP 3y | AD | | Female - Financially difficult circumstances - Remorse - Model prisoner - Suffering severe depression |
Chew
NSW CCA [26]
25.4.2004 | Import | 71.8g (pure) | PG | 6y
NPP 4y | AD | | Ingested heroin – dealt with as more than courier |
Chew
(22)
NSW CCA [132]
23.4.2004 | Import | 303.5g (pure) | PG
(earliest opp) | 6y 6m
NPP 4y 6m | AA
5y 3m
NPP 3y 3m | Nil | Courier carrying drugs internally
Malaysian – - Prior good character – Assistance - Parity |
Dang (40)
NSW CCA [269]
30.7.2004 | Import | 218.6 (pure) | PG | 6y 6m
NPP 4y 4m | AD | Nil relevant | Vietnamese, migrated to Australia in 1981 – returned to Sydney after a trip to Vietnam, 400g heroin powder concealed in his shoes - courier |
| Case | Offence | Amount | Plea | Sentence | Appeal | Record | Facts |
Mas Rivadavia
(21)
El Akkaoui
(22)
NSW CCA [284]
18.8.2004 | Conspiray to import
Conspiracy to import | | PG
PG | 6y 9m
NPP 4y 3m
6y 9m
NPP 4y 3m | Crown AA
8y 3m
NPP 5y 3m
8y 3m
NPP 5y 3m | Nil
Nil | Importation from Hong Kong of 708.5g pure heroin – controlled delivery – co-offender sentenced for attempt possess
RMR – employee of FedEx –responsible for passing messages and advising re progress of packages – after arrest suffered depression with psychotic features – favourable prospects of rehabilitation
RA – passed messages and supervised collection of package - favourable prospects of rehabilitation |
Mirzaee
(59)
NSW CCA [315]
17.9.2004 | Import | 578g (pure) | PG | 9y
NPP 6y | AA
9y
NPP 4y 6m | Nil | Imported drugs from Iran – Courier
Financial hardship – Heart problems – Isolation from family - Erroneously took into account probable importation |
Bezan
(44)
NSW CCA [342]
13.10.2004 | Import | 260g (pure) | VG | 5y 6m
NPP 3y 3m | Crown AA
8y
NPP 5y | Nil | Drugs secreted in chessboard - Principal |
Ogochukwu
NSW CCA [473]
29.10.2004 | Knowingly concerned in import | 217.9g (pure) | VG | 7y 4m
NPP 5y | AD | Nil | Took delivery of heroin mailed from Thailand – facilitated delivery
Prior good character |
Kaldor
(57)
NSW CCA [425]
29.11.2004 | Import | 479.3g (pure) | VG | 3y 4m
NPP 2y | Crown AA
7y
NPP 4y | Minor; no prison | Heroin imported from Vietnam in a guitar |
A
(42)
NSW CCA [292]
16.12.2004 | Import | 316.9g (pure) | PG | 7y
NPP 4y 6m | AD | Irrelevant | Vietnamese born female imported heroin in shoes for $20,000 – courier at lowest end of importation
Substantial and beneficial assistance – sad and different life – isolation in custody – back condition |
Bartlett
(28)
NSWCCA [105]
23.3.2005 | Import
Import cocaine | 306.8g pure cocaine
54g pure heroin | PG | 7y
NPP 4y 2m | AD | Nil | Accepted money to import powder from South Africa in shoes and on sanitary pad – didn’t know what powder was – full admissions and early plea
Sexually abused as child – daily use of heroin since 2000 – 5y daughter, in care of ex-husband – anxiety and depression – remorse |
Do
(49)
NSW CCA [258]
22.7.2005 | Import | 478.4g (pure) | VG | 8y
NPP 5y | AD | Nil | Vietnamese female brought drugs secreted in shoes – paying off gambling debt
Tragic childhood - Retrial |
Pham
(27)
NSW CCA [314]
12.9.2005 | Import | 244.6g (pure) | PG | 9y
NPP 5y 6m | AA
8y
NPP 4y 6m | Record | Brought in heroin from Bangkok – low level importer
Suffering psychological condition resulting from car accident – reasonable prospects of rehabilitation |
De Campos
(44)
NSW CCA [51]
28.2.2006 | Import | 280.2g (pure) | PG | 8y
NPP 5Y | AA
7y 6m
NPP 4y 6m | | South African woman imported drugs internally – seeking money to support mother
Discount should be given for offer to assist |
Ogochukwu
NSW CCA [473]
29.10.2004 | Knowingly concerned in import | 217.9g (pure) | VG | 7y 4m
NPP 5y | AD | Nil | Took delivery of heroin mailed from Thailand – facilitated delivery
Prior good character |
Kaldor
(57)
NSW CCA [425]
29.11.2004 | Import | 479.3g (pure) | VG | 3y 4m
NPP 2y | Crown AA
7y
NPP 4y | Minor; no prison | Heroin imported from Vietnam in a guitar |
A
(42)
NSW CCA [292]
16.12.2004 | Import | 316.9g (pure) | PG | 7y
NPP 4y 6m | AD | Irrelevant | Vietnamese born female imported heroin in shoes for $20,000 – courier at lowest end of importation
Substantial and beneficial assistance – sad and different life – isolation in custody – back condition |
Bartlett
(28)
NSWCCA [105]
23.3.2005 | Import
Import cocaine | 306.8g pure cocaine
54g pure heroin | PG | 7y
NPP 4y 2m | AD | Nil | Accepted money to import powder from South Africa in shoes and on sanitary pad – didn’t know what powder was – full admissions and early plea
Sexually abused as child – daily use of heroin since 2000 – 5y daughter, in care of ex-husband – anxiety and depression – remorse |
Do
(49)
NSW CCA [258]
22.7.2005 | Import | 478.4g (pure) | VG | 8y
NPP 5y | AD | Nil | Vietnamese female brought drugs secreted in shoes – paying off gambling debt
Tragic childhood - Retrial |
Pham
(27)
NSW CCA [314]
12.9.2005 | Import | 244.6g (pure) | PG | 9y
NPP 5y 6m | AA
8y
NPP 4y 6m | Record | Brought in heroin from Bangkok – low level importer
Suffering psychological condition resulting from car accident – reasonable prospects of rehabilitation |
De Campos
(44)
NSW CCA [51]
28.2.2006 | Import | 280.2g (pure) | PG | 8y
NPP 5Y | AA
7y 6m
NPP 4y 6m | | South African woman imported drugs internally – seeking money to support mother
Discount should be given for offer to assist |
Vo
Tran
NSWCCA [165]
24.5.2006 | Conspiracy to import | 678.4g | PG | 9y
NPP 6y
6y
NPP 2y 6m | Crown AA (resentencing after failure to fulfil undertaking to assist authorities)
10y
NPP 6y 6m
6y 8m
NPP 2y 10m | | Vo was principal in organisation involved in importing heroin from Vietnam – Employed persons to recruit drug couriers.
Tran was Vo’s partner – Acted as assistant. |
Le
(40)
NSW CCA [136]
25.8.2006 | Import | 117.6g | PG | 7y 6m
NPP 5y | AD | Nil | Female imported drugs internally from Singapore
Deprived background – hardship to children |
Mirza
(35)
NSW CCA [257]
30.8.2007 | Import | 313.7g (pure) | PG | 9y
NPP 5y | AD | Nil | Heroin found in packaged taped to feet – left Australia for purpose of importing drugs
Financial difficulty |
