HAMILTON, Bermuda, CMC:
A SELF-CONFESSED teenage drug handler found with more than US$230,000 worth of drugs has been jailed for seven years.
The Supreme Court heard that Gavin Hollis, 19, was caught in the act of collecting drugs at FedEx a year ago.
Police found 48.52 grams of heroin, worth more than US$25,000 and 828.29 grams of cocaine worth more than US$200,000, as well as 18.64 grams of marijuana worth more than US$900.
TAKE THE RAP
Hollis admitted that his decision to accept an offer of US$2,000 to collect a package he knew contained drugs, and then to take the rap on behalf of the friend, who asked him, was "stupid and childish", defence lawyer Elizabeth Christopher told the court.
Hollis used identification to collect the package that was clearly not correct and, while waiting for it, he filled out an application for a job at FedEx.
Christopher asked the court to give serious consideration to his lack of education, his immaturity and to his financial problems at the time, which were compounded by familial pressure to contribute to the household.
With no prior offences and a good character, Hollis would not re-offend, and that it "was a horrible day in his life" in which he made a "bad decision", Christopher said.
Hollis was sentenced to seven years for possession of cocaine and heroin with intent to supply, and five years for possession of cannabis with intent to supply. The sentences will run concurrently.