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.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman