The offender was convicted by a jury of importing approximately 2.963 kilograms of cocaine into Canada after the drugs were discovered concealed in suitcase linings at Pearson International Airport.
The Crown sought a seven‑year custodial sentence while the defence requested a five‑year sentence, relying on mitigating factors including the offender’s age, lack of criminal record, stable employment history, and role as a courier.
The court reviewed sentencing ranges established by appellate jurisprudence for large multi‑kilogram cocaine importations and emphasized denunciation and deterrence as the primary objectives in drug importation cases.
While recognizing several mitigating factors, the court found they did not justify departing from the established six‑to‑eight‑year sentencing range.
A custodial sentence at the low end of that range was imposed together with mandatory ancillary orders.
