The court sentenced Nicola Owen, convicted of importing almost 8 kilograms of heroin into Canada, to 9 years’ imprisonment.
The sentencing judge considered the low purity of the heroin (18%), Owen’s positive presentence report, lack of criminal record, health issues, and other mitigating factors.
The court found that the low purity and unique circumstances justified a sentence below the usual 12–17 year range for such offences.
The decision discusses the relevance of drug purity to sentencing and the importance of proportionality under s. 718.1 of the Criminal Code.
