The offender was sentenced after conviction for importing cocaine into Canada through Pearson International Airport.
The evidence established that two liquor bottles in the offender’s luggage contained approximately 830 grams of pure cocaine.
The court applied established appellate guidance for courier importation offences, which sets a typical sentencing range of three to five years’ imprisonment for first offenders importing approximately one kilogram of cocaine absent exceptional circumstances.
Although mitigating factors included youth, lack of prior criminal record, positive pre‑sentence report, and several years of compliant release on bail during which the offender became a parent and maintained employment, the court held that denunciation and general deterrence remained paramount.
A custodial sentence was required given the quantity, value, and concealed transport of the drug.
