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HCCC 293/2017
IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE
HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION
COURT OF FIRST INSTANCE
CRIMINAL CASE NO 293 OF 2017
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| Before: |
Hon Andrew Chan J |
| Date: |
6 December 2017 at 10.46 am |
| Present: |
Mr Leung Yuk-hang Gary, SPP (Ag) of the Department of
Justice, for HKSAR |
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Mr Chan Chung, instructed by David Hui & Co, for the
accused |
| Offence: |
Trafficking in a dangerous drug (販運危險藥物) |
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Transcript of the Audio Recording
of the Sentence in the above Case
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COURT: Please stand up, Mr Lee.
The defendant has pleaded guilty to one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug, and he is committed to this court for sentence.
Summary of Facts reveals the following. On 4 January 2017, the defendant was intercepted by police officer. A search of the defendant’s residence resulted in the seizure of 651 grammes of ketamine. Under caution, the defendant admitted that the ketamine belonged to him.
The street value of the ketamine was estimated to be about HK$272,000. It was way beyond your normal salary.
The defendant is now 34, he claims to be a construction worker at the time of his arrest. Perhaps I should say prior to his arrest. He has one possession of a dangerous drug record back in 2001. It was submitted on his behalf that after working for the express railway project, the defendant was out of work and because of financial restraint, he committed the present offence.
Guideline on sentencing is clear. Starting point for trafficking in 651 grammes of ketamine is one of 12 years’ imprisonment. Apart from the defendant’s plea at the earliest opportunity, I do not see any other mitigating factors in this case.
The defendant will be given the usual full one-third discount for his plea. In conclusion, the defendant is sentenced to 8 years’ imprisonment.
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