A sentence of 14 years imprisonment for trafficking in heroin (178.5g pure) and cocaine (84.5g) with prior drug convictions is within the appropriate range. There is no fixed starting point of 16 years for drug trafficking sentences. Sentencing courts may have regard to interstate drug activity as part of Queensland trafficking, but the basis of the sentence must be clearly identified to avoid double punishment. The serious violent offender legislation does not require discounting of comparable pre-legislation sentences where the sentence exceeds 10 years.
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