A sentence of 21 years' imprisonment with a 13-year non-parole period was upheld for an offender who played a significant but junior role in the importation of approximately 77 kg of pure cocaine. The case confirms that an offender who is instrumental to a drug importation enterprise, even if not the principal organiser, cannot characterise their role as 'limited'. Matters personal to the offender, including youth, difficult background, and late guilty plea, are of relatively limited significance in sentencing for serious drug trafficking offences where deterrence is the primary consideration.
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