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. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens