Turkish man sentenced to 12 years' imprisonment

A 41-year-old Turkish man was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment and ordered to pay court costs of CHF 140,000 after he was found guilty of several counts of offences under the Narcotics Act dating back to 2013.
 
During the trial, there was controversy between the lawyers for the prosecution and those of the defence about precisely what role the Turk had played in the drugs running, with those defending him admitting he may have been more than just a courier but not one of the ringleaders, as there was always someone higher up in the gang who got their share of the proceeds.
 
The Turk had been involved in more than one incident of supplying drugs but this second offence, namely his involvement in organising the journey of one of the couriers, who handed over a suitcase containing 30 kilogrammes of heroin to him, an amount the defendant had been aware of, was deemed more serious.
 
Other instances of his dealing with heroin and marihuana in Switzerland were also taken into consideration, as was the fact he admitted his involvement.
 
Speaking to the court following his conviction, the Turk said he had hoped he would have been judged fairly for his offences, but felt he had been sentenced as if he were a drugs baron. The high court costs were due in part  to extensive interpreting fees.

It may well be that he will appeal.