Pubdate: Mon, 19 Jun 2006 Source: Seattle Times (WA) Copyright: 2006 The Seattle Times Company Contact: http://www.seattletimes.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/409 Author: The Associated Press Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis) DRUG LAWS HARSH HERE, JUDGE TELLS SMUGGLERS A federal judge who sentenced five Indians from Canada for marijuana-smuggling advised them to spread the word back home about harsh U.S. penalties. U.S. District Judge Ricardo Martinez on Friday sentenced the five to six months in prison and two years of probation. They were arrested Oct. 30 at the border crossing at Sumas, Whatcom County, riding in vans that each carried about 80 pounds of marijuana. By traveling in a large group, with a treaty right to unrestricted travel between the two countries, they hoped to disguise their purpose, prosecutors said. Martinez said he wanted to send a message to others who might be tempted. "I want every other First Nation member in Canada, and I want every other Canadian, to understand that the sentencing laws of the United States are very, very harsh," he said. Sentenced were Abraham Charles Sheena, 54, of Merritt B.C., a member of the Upper Nicola Band; Fayve Quilt, 32, and Dide Quilt, 23, both of Hanceville, B.C., and members of the Stone Band; Joanne Rosette, 27, of Alkali Lake, B.C., a member of the Shuswap Band; and Ranger Oppenheim, 38, of Merritt, a member of the Shakan Band. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman