A comprehensive quantitative sentencing guideline for drug importation offences under s233B of the Customs Act 1901 (Cth) is established, structured by drug quantity ranges and applicable to couriers and persons low in the hierarchy of importing organisations. The guideline ranges from 5-7 years for low trafficable quantities to 10-15 years for substantial commercial quantities. The Ferrer-Esis range of 8.5-11 years is confirmed as having been applied in practice to low commercial quantities rather than high trafficable quantities. State appellate courts exercising federal jurisdiction have power to issue sentencing guideline judgments for Commonwealth offences, and such guidelines are indicative only and do not restrict the sentencing judge's discretion under Part 1B of the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth).
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