It is common for officers at airports and other ports of entry to stop people carrying controlled drugs in their luggage, clothing or inside their bodies on behalf of suppliers in foreign jurisdictions. The informal term for such people is ‘mule’. They may have been pressured into carrying the drugs or have done so for a fee, or both.
On occasion large amounts are found, but sometimes it is merely the leftovers from a holiday or business trip abroad, maybe at a location where drug use is more widely tolerated by law enforcement.
Committing this offence can however result in severe consequences.
The Crime
Drugs are transported into the jurisdiction in a number of supposedly clever ways. Cocaine may be moved in its liquid form while concealed as something else. Human carriers may swallow a number of pellets containing drugs of different kinds.
Naturally, the police and associated bodies are regularly uncovering these methods as they become apparent, resulting in those who run the gauntlet being charged and sent to prison for a substantial term despite initially thinking they have beaten their opponents.
The Law
The underlying offence is breaching the prohibition on the importation and exportation of controlled drugs made by section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. This prohibition is linked with the substantive offence which is contained in section 170 of the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979.
Sentencing
Various factors will modify the sentence imposed upon someone who either pleads guilty or is found guilty of this offence. These include the role played by the individual in the activity, the quantity and character of the substance in question and (as with almost every offence) their level of co-operation with the police.
The sentences here are generally heavy, prison almost always follows for even the minimum quantity of drug, and sentences of 10 – 20 years, or more, are common where the quantity is large.
There are however a large number of factors that might reduce the seriousness of the offence or provide valuable mitigation – it is essential that a solicitor advances these on your behalf.
Penalties
The maximum penalties for this offence vary depending on the type of drugs in question:
Class A – life imprisonment
Class B and C – 14 years imprisonment
Case Studies
In Gregory [2012] EWCA Crim 649, the appellant’s sentence of imprisonment was reduced from 8 years to 6 years as the original sentence did not adequately reflect the appellant’s fairly minor role and the fact that he believed he was carrying cannabis rather than cocaine.
On the other hand, the appellant in Burns [2009] EWCA Crim 1123 received an increased sentence upon a reference by the Attorney-General, from 8 years to 14 years’ imprisonment, to better reflect the fact that he had abused his professional role as a distribution supervisor by allowing cocaine importations.
There is a comprehensive sentencing guideline that Judges use in order to decide sentence.
Our Advice
If you want to discuss alleged offences relating to the importation of controlled drugs, please contact us on 0161 477 1121 or email [email protected]
Such offences are always serious, and expert representation at the earliest stage is highly necessary, particularly if you may have acted under duress and have the basis of a defence in law. Sadly, we see many already very vulnerable people acting as drug mules – it is essential that your story is told.
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