A grandmother was jailed for seven years yesterday after admitting she imported cocaine and heroin.

Sandra Marie Gibbons, 47, of Parsons Road, Pembroke arrived at Bermuda International Airport on November 24 last year from Atlanta after spending several weeks in Jamaica.

The court learned that the drugs were in a package inside her.

Gibbons later told Police that an unknown man approached her in Jamaica and asked her to take the package to Bermuda for $4,000. She said she figured the package contained cocaine.

The contents of the package were analysed and found to contain 221.6 grams of cocaine with a street value of $69,250 and 5.22 grams of heroin with a street value of $26,796.

Crown counsel Shade Subair said too often the courts showed sympathy when sentencing ?drug mules?, but not as much sympathy towards the community at large. She added that heavy sentences acted as a deterrent.

Puisne judge Ian Kawaley said society had placed emphasis on heavy sentences in the absence of a better way to deal with offenders, but they did not always prove effective.

The Court of Appeals, however, had set down guidelines that he must abide by, he said.

Ms Subair said a minimum of eight years would be adequate.

Defence lawyer Larry Scott said Gibbons accepted her mistake and was ready to face the consequences.

Gibbons has four children and four grandchildren and although she does not support her children any more she still has involvement with her grandchildren, Mr. Scott said.

He asked for a sentence ranging from six to eight years.

Gibbons told the court: ?I was naive and I am very regretful and very remorseful. I am sorry and I will never do it again.?

Mr. Justice Kawaley said: ?This may seem like this is just an opportunity to make some money but this has a real and negative impact on the community.?