The sentencing range of 11-15 years identified in Quach for couriers with 600-700 grams of heroin at 55-65% purity who are close to the source and acting for commercial gain provides a useful comparator even for offenders higher up the distribution chain, and a starting point of 18 years for a distributor with approximately 593 grams of heroin at 43-57% purity was excessive. A discount for an early guilty plea may properly be reduced where the offender has attempted to mislead the court about the extent of involvement, demonstrating lack of remorse.
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