DRUG DEALS COST 10 YEARS

A LIBERIAN man was forced into heroin trafficking by a syndicate that
helped him get into Australia illegally, the District Court was told yesterday.

Once in Australia, the syndicate kept control of the man with threats they
would harm his sister, who was in Africa.

Precious Iyoha Festus, 30, previously of Cannington, was sentenced
yesterday to a total 10 years jail for importing nearly 450g of heroin into
Australia and for taking $US69,000 out of Australia through Perth Airport.

District Court Judge Paul Healy gave Festus a discount in his sentence for
his early pleas of guilty. He must serve at least five years before he can
become eligible for parole.

Festus was arrested on May 26, 1999, after an operation between Australian
Federal Police and Customs.

He was put under surveillance after he was seen taking $US69,000 out of
Australia.

After his arrest, police found 450g of heroin in Festus"toolbox at his
workplace in Welshpool.

Judge Healy said Festus did not have prior convictions but it was common
for drug trafficking offences to be committed by people without records who
would not arouse suspicion.

He said the trafficking was obviously part of a continuing course of
conduct because of the debt incurred by Festus with the people who helped
him enter Australia illegally.

"They had a hold of you by making threats to your life and wellbeing," he
said. "Also threats to your sister.

"That is why you cooperated in the heroin trade rather than going to
authorities."

He said it was a cause for concern that leverage was made using
Festus"sister and that he was forced to cooperate with threats to her safety.

"You yourself were physically assaulted when you came to Australia by part
of the syndicate," he said.

Judge Healy said the reasons Festus became involved in the heroin trade and
the movement of money out of Australia might provide an explanation for his
conduct.

But he said it was also clear that Festus had been prepared to be part of
the heroin trade in order to get rid of his debts.

His demeanour in prison showed he was clearly embarrassed and ashamed of
what he had done.