Heroin smuggler jailed for 12 years

HAMILTON, Bermuda, Jun 7, CMC – A 26-year-old man, who showed no remorse, has been jailed for 12 years by a Supreme Court judge over drugs charges, while his 55-year-old mother received a suspended 12-month sentence.
Damon Morris was convicted by a jury of conspiring to import heroin and possessing cocaine among other charges. His mother, Denise Morris, was found guilty of money laundering.
During their seven and a half week trial, the jury heard that in December 2015 Morris arrived in Bermuda on a commercial flight when an X-ray confirmed the items were inside his body. He subsequently excreted the items, which were found to be 86.38 grams of heroin with a street value of US$253,380.
Following an investigation, police arrested Morris on conspiracy to import controlled drugs. During the arrest, officers also found 49.97 grams of cocaine and 10.14 grams of cocaine, with a combined value of US$18,800.
In addition, they seized US$15,210 which was in Denise Morris’ possession.
The jury found Damon Morris guilty of conspiracy to import heroin, possession of cocaine with intent to supply and possession of drug equipment. His mother was acquitted of the drugs offences, but was found guilty of possessing criminal proceeds in cash that were connected to the case.
Prosecutor Larissa Burgess said Morris had previous convictions and had shown no remorse, noting that he still maintained his innocence despite what she described as “overwhelming evidence”.
Puisne Judge Charles-Etta Simmons said Denise Morris had no previous convictions and had done much service to the community.
“To any bystander, they may feel she has been punished enough. Circumstances call for more than a conditional discharge, but present circumstances merit a suspended sentence,” the judge said.