A SYDNEY gambling addict faces a 14-year prison sentence for his role in a drug importation scheme. [Image: Shutterstock.com]
Kenny Chen, a gambling addict from Australia, was set to make around A$200,000 (US$131,700) importing 2.4 tonnes of cocaine into Perth. Instead, he faces more than 14 years in prison for his role in the illegal scheme.
Police intercepted the drugs off the coast of South America before they arrived in Australia last year. They then replaced the canisters with plaster before they were lowered for collection off the coast of Perth.
When Sydney resident Chen, 28, flew to Perth to collect what he thought were five packages of cocaine, he was actually serving the interests of police. Chen returned to his short residence with the packages in which the police would eventually arrest him.
They accumulated large debts due to gambling and drug use
In his latest case before the court, Chen was represented by Simon Freitag SC. He confirmed that his client had accumulated large debts due to gambling and drug use. Supposedly, Chen wanted to repay that money while also earning a little profit for himself by importing drugs.
Explaining Chen’s role in the scheme, Freitag said: “His low-level involvement…in a massive project…for financial gain. He took a risk and lost. He knows this is the price he has to pay for it.”
While Judge Lisa Tovey acknowledged that Chen appeared remorseful for his actions, noting that he had pleaded guilty at an early opportunity, she sentenced him to 14.5 years in prison. Chen will have to serve 12 years and six months before being released.
