Event and Time
Event Description
- On 21 August 2019, Hiu Mei Lam pleaded guilty to two charges of trafficking in a drug of dependence (methylamphetamine) and dealing with proceeds of crime.
- Her co-offender, Veselin Orlic, pleaded guilty to the same charges on 4 May 2020.
- The relevant offenses took place between 18 October 2017 and 3 February 2018.
Application and Claims
- Charges Filed:
- Charge 2: Trafficking in a drug of dependence (methylamphetamine) in a large commercial quantity, contrary to s 71 of the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981. - Charge 3: Knowingly dealing with proceeds of crime (Australian currency), contrary to s 194(2) of the Crimes Act 1958.
- Potential Sentences:
- Trafficking in a large commercial quantity of a drug: life imprisonment. - Dealing with proceeds of crime: maximum of 15 years imprisonment.
Judicial Decisions
- On 26 May 2020, the applicant was sentenced to 10 years and 6 months imprisonment, with a non-parole period of 7 years.
- The sentencing judge took into account the aggravation of the offenses and the applicant's personal circumstances.
Dispute Points and Legal Basis
Dispute Points
- Appellant (Hiu Mei Lam):
- Argued against the severity of the sentence, claiming the sentence did not adequately reflect mitigating factors such as personal circumstances.
- Respondent (Director of Public Prosecutions):
- Maintained that the sentence was appropriate given the serious nature of trafficking a large commercial quantity of drugs and related criminal activity.