The majority affirmed that a sentence of 14 years with an 8-year non-parole period for a principal importing 8.3kg of pure cocaine (more than four times the commercial quantity) who pleaded not guilty was not manifestly inadequate. Hulme J's dissent provides a comprehensive analysis of sentencing patterns for drug importation offences, identifying ranges by quantity and role: couriers of 70-700 grams typically receive 6-8 years; couriers of commercial quantities receive approximately 9¼-11½ years; principals of commercial quantities receive approximately 12-13 years. The case also confirms that heroin and cocaine are to be regarded as equals for sentencing purposes.
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