Pubdate: Wed, 11 Apr 2001
Source: West Australian (Australia)
Copyright: 2001 West Australian Newspapers Limited
Contact:  http://www.thewest.com.au
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/495
Author: Pamela Magill

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.
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