DODIN J.
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The convict Igor Pereira Santos Barbosa, a Brazilian National, stands convicted of one count of importation of 5.87kg of Cocaine, the purity of which is (2994.61grams). The convict is 26 years old and was in a common law relationship in Brazil where he has a one year old child. In addition, he has five other children from different relationships, all in Brazil. Before coming to Seychelles, he was self-employed in Brazil, owning his own tattoo shop.
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The convict has pleaded guilty and saved the Court time and expenses of a trial. Although he alleged that he had been tricked into bringing the drugs to Seychelles, he accepts full responsibility and expresses regret for what he had done - according to the Probation Services Report.
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On the aggravating side, I take into account that the amount of drug is considerable, almost 3kg purity and a Class A drug. It is of significant commercial value. I note that the drugs did not reach the public due to the vigilance of the authorities. I also note that the maximum sentence for importation of a Class A drug is life imprisonment.
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I have considered other similar cases of importation, particularly the recent case of Republic vs Dos Ajos CO33/2022 whereby Burhan J. sentenced the convict to 8 years imprisonment for importation of 4133.7grams of Cocaine with purity of 3118.09grams.
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Having given consideration to all the above, I impose a sentence of 8 years imprisonment on the convict. The time spent on remand shall be counted as part of the sentence.
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The convict can appeal against the sentence within 30 working days.
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I also recommend that the authorities consider repatriating the covict to Brazil at the appropriate time with appropriate conditions before or at the completion of the sentence.
Signed, dated and delivered at Ile du Port, Victoria on 11th day of September 2023
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C G Dodin
Judge