In sentencing for drug importation offences, the operational role played by an offender in carrying out the importation may be as significant as, or more significant than, the offender's position in the hierarchy of the criminal enterprise. A sentencing judge who focuses on hierarchy to the exclusion of operational role may err in principle. For the largest drug importations, the seriousness of the offence and the threat to the community will virtually overwhelm all mitigating factors.
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