KELOWNA, B.C. — A Kelowna, B.C., woman who tried to smuggle a large amount of cocaine into Canada from the United States has been handed a lengthy prison sentence.
Friends and family members of Caitlin Gladdish wept Tuesday as a provincial court judge in Kelowna sentenced her to six years and nine months behind bars.
Judge James Threlfall said a longer term would have been appropriate, but noted the 27-year-old pleaded guilty, shows genuine remorse, has no previous criminal record and has excellent prospects for rehabilitation.
But Threlfall also said Gladdish knew her car had been modified with a secret compartment and had already used the vehicle to cross the U.S. border five times.
Gladdish was arrested near Trail in July, 2014 as she attempted to return to Canada with 35-kilograms of cocaine hidden in her car.
Court was told the drug would have fetched about $2-million, if it had been sold by the kilogram. (CHBC)
