NINE DRUG TRAFFICKERS HANDED PRISON TERMS

Nine people convicted in one of B.C. largest hashish busts in raids at
Fanny Bay and off Port Hardy have received sentences ranging from six
years to two years in prison.

The eight who appeared in Vancouver provincial court Tuesday -- seven
men and a woman -- stood grim-faced as Judge Elizabeth Arnold read her
sentences. A ninth man, Wolfgang Fitznar, has disappeared with his
family.

The nine were arrested when the RCMP swooped on two ships in November
1998 and seized 12 metric tonnes of hash worth an estimated $46 million.

Arnold said she took into account that the courts have been reducing
the severity of sentences for cannabis offences and that Parliament
has discussed reducing the penalties for simple possession.

"In my view, cannabis is now accepted to be less harmful than
previously thought," she said.

But, she added, she also had to protect society from "middle-aged"
criminals who decide to reap large profits from cannabis importation
or grow operations without paying taxes.

The court case began April 17, 2001, and saw 104 witnesses and 344
exhibits.

Sanford Hately, 56, was given six years for being the "most culpable"
as the captain of the mother ship which carried the hash half way
around the world.

Kurt Guilbride, 49, and Wolfgang Fitznar each received five
years.

Sylvie Goyer, 48, the ring's chief communicator, got four
years.

Ron Thomson, 46, received four years because of his involvement in
planning and operations.

Richard Farrington, 44, received three years, six months for his part
in the off-loading of the hash as did Ronald Grant, 57, for being a
crewman on the mother ship.

Ken Thomson, 49, and Joel Hately, 56, the twin brother of Sanford
Hately, each received two years, six months.