SURREY SENIOR GETS TWO YEARS IN U.S. JAIL FOR SMUGGLING ECSTASY

A Surrey senior will spend two of his golden years in a U.S. jail
after being sentenced Thursday for smuggling ecstasy across the border
in the gas tank of a minivan.

Amar Kumar Dutt, 70, had never been in trouble with the law when he
was arrested last May attempting to cross the border at Blaine with
more than 40,000 ecstasy pills in his tank.

When asked the purpose of his trip, he told the border inspector that
he was searching for "healing crystals," arousing suspicion.

A drug dog later found Dutt's illicit stash packed in plastic bags and
floating in the gas.

U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Zilly said Dutt had smuggled a
"tremendous amount of drugs."

"If you were 25 years old, this is not the sentence I would give you."

Dutt pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute ecstasy.

Dutt addressed the court, saying: "I feel very bad ... very
embarrassed to be here. I have always admired the U.S. and its people
. The thing that hurts me the most is that I have betrayed my
friend [the U.S.]. I feel terribly, terribly bad."

Dutt's lawyer Paula Deutsch said her client had worked as a mechanic
for more than 30 years.

Three years ago, he met someone who got him involved in the smuggling
scheme. She said Dutt was after "a little adventure ... a little
excitement."