Supreme Court after Police discovered a large quantity of heroin in a raid on the home of his ex-wife.

Vincent Victor Rabain, of Club Road, appeared before Chief Justice Austin Ward on charges of importation and handling of drugs yesterday.

The court heard how, on January 25 Police raided the Somerall Road home of the defendant's ex-wife, Marva Rabain. Police searched the home and found 118.5 grams of diamorphine -- the scientific name for heroin -- with a street value of $282,525.

His ex-wife and daughter were later arrested and charged with possession with intent to sell, although Rabain later admitted that the drugs were in fact his.

Crown Counsel Juan Wolffe, who was aided by Lee Derosa Holder, told the court that in cases like this, those who are in possession of drugs should share the same fate that drug importers do.

He said: "Those who possess large quantities off drugs should be judged as harsh as those who import drugs.'' This was supported by Mr. Ward who told the court that a person found in possession could receive a sentence up to 50 per cent higher.

"There should be little or no reduced sentence,'' said Mr. Wolffe. "He has had previous convictions.

"The Crown is seeking immediate custodial sentence in a period of eight to ten years.'' Defence Lawyer Mark Pettingill told the court that Rabain had confessed to exonerate his ex-wife and daughter.

He added that Rabain had been doing work in the house prior to the raid and left the heroin there while his ex-wife and daughter were away.

"He had it for months,'' said Mr. Pettingill. "Struggling with what he was going to do with it.

"Significance should be placed on the guilty plea.'' When asked if he had anything to say to the court. Rabain replied, "No'' In passing sentence Mr. Ward said: "I've taken into consideration the guilty plea.

"$282,525 is a significant amount, which carries an imprisonment term of 14 years,'' he said. "But my sentence is one of ten years.''