Larnaca, Cyprus. A 31-year-old man was sentenced on Wednesday to 20 years in prison after being found guilty of possessing just over 15 kilograms of cocaine and almost 95 kilograms of cannabis with intent to supply.
Court cites wider drug trafficking concerns
The Larnaca criminal court said in its verdict that in recent years Cyprus has seen trafficking in large quantities of drugs, resulting in an increase in the number of victims. It described the spread of drugs as a social scourge and a threat to society, stating they endanger physical and social wellbeing, particularly among young people.
The court also referred to the social and economic burden linked to the supply and use of drugs, adding that despite significant efforts to prevent and suppress the phenomenon, the problem appears to have intensified and reached alarming proportions.
Deterrence and mitigating factors
The court said the sentence was intended to serve as a deterrent, particularly in light of previous severe sentences that it said do not appear to have achieved the desired result.
It cited the man’s young age as a mitigating factor, along with his clean criminal record prior to arrest. The court also noted that he confessed, was in a poor financial situation, and is a chronic user of addictive substances and a gambling addict.
What impact do you think deterrent sentencing has on drug trafficking and drug use?
