A Somerset couple was sentenced to prison on Wednesday for importing cocaine valued at over $200,000.

Jennifer Medeiros, 23, and Oshane Eugene Darrell, 27, both of Seawall Drive were sentenced to seven years and ten years respectively by Puisne Judge Norma Wade Miller in Supreme Court.

Darrell, who was represented by lawyer Allan Doughty, was found guilty of possession of cocaine with the intent to supply and possession of drug equipment, namely a scale, in November of 2002.

Medeiros, his common-law partner, was represented by lawyer Elizabeth Christopher and was found guilty of drug possession on the same date.

A reported 679.93 grams of cocaine was found in the couple?s home, which has an estimated street value of $212,450.

Justice Wade Miller sentenced Darrell to ten years for drug possession and two years for the drug equipment to run concurrently. Medeiros was sentenced to seven years in jail for her involvement.

Both have been in Police custody since May 6, therefore, the custody of their young daughter will have to be further considered by the court.

Crown prosecutor Cindy Clarke had recommended Darrell receive a sentence between ten and 12 years imprisonment and Medeiros receive a seven to ten year prison sentence.

The couple had a ?total disregard to the detrimental effects on our people (caused by drugs),? she said.

Darrell, who has a record for similar offences, expressed during a social inquiry report (SIR) that he was interested in ?rising above the circumstances he has been dealt with in life?, Mr. Doughty argued.

?A lengthy period of incarceration will only serve to hinder his goals,? he said in mitigation. ?He?s trying to put his life back together.?

He also suggested Darrell should receive a light sentence for the drug equipment. ?It was not a cocaine lab,? he said. ?No alleged heroin was made in the bathtub. It was simply a scale.?

Offering mitigation for Medeiros, Ms Christopher said her client was previously of ?exemplary? character, steadily employed and trying to raise her two-year-old daughter.

?Ms Medeiros, from my understanding, was convicted for allowing this behaviour to go on in her home,? said Ms Christopher, suggesting that her client was only a passive player.

Justice Wade Miller considered the fact that Medeiros, who only made $900 every two weeks at her job, drove a nice car and was ultimately benefiting from the drug money.