Pubdate: Wed, 26 May 2004
Source: Province, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2004 The Province
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/vancouver/theprovince/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/476
Author: Steve Berry

JAIL FOR 9 HASHISH IMPORTERS

Nine people convicted in one of B.C.'s largest hashish busts have
received sentences ranging from two to six years in prison.

The eight who appeared in Vancouver Provincial Court yesterday --
seven men and one woman -- stood grim-faced as Judge Elizabeth Arnold
read the 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. The raids took place at Fanny Bay on Vancouver Island and off
Port Hardy.

Arnold said she took into account that the courts have been reducing
the severity of sentences for cannabis offences and that Parliament is
discussing 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-ops 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 got 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.

Arnold said some cases are harder to deal with than others, and "this
is one of those cases."

"To sentence these accused is a difficult task."

Arnold praised them for showing respect for the law after their
arrests and following court orders, often travelling long distances
for appearances. She noted Sanford Hately appeared 129 times,
travelling from Whistler where he employs 20 people as a contractor.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin