R v Prickong - [1990] 1 NZLR 5

Criminal law — Sentence — Drugs — Heroin — Possession for supply and conspiracy to export — Accused were convicted of possession for supply and/or conspiracy to export a very substantial quantity of heroin — Accused were couriers in an international drug conspiracy where the heroin was concealed in a hidden compartment in a suitcase — Heroin had been brought into New Zealand by others and was to be carried to the United States by one of the accused — That accused appealed against a sentence of 15 years imprisonment for possession for supply imposed after trial following a not guilty plea, and the other accused appealed against a sentence of 12 years imprisonment for conspiracy imposed after he had pleaded guilty during trial — Whether accused's lack of knowledge of quantity of heroin was a mitigating factor — Whether the fact that the heroin was not for distribution in New Zealand was a mitigating factor — Whether the sentences were excessive — Misuse of Drugs Act 1975, s 6.