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Kelowna  

Drug smuggler sentenced

Update: 4:30 p.m.

A Kelowna judge has sentenced Caitlin Christine Gladdish to six years and nine months in jail for one count of importing a controlled substance.

As part of the sentence, Gladdish was also given a 10 year firearm prohibition and must pay a $200 victim surcharge.

The 26-year-old does not appear to have any other prior charges or convictions against her in B.C.


Sentencing submissions began today for a Kelowna woman charged in what was called the largest single cocaine bust ever in the Kootenays.

Caitlin Christine Gladdish, 26, was arrested attempting to smuggle a reported 35 kilograms of cocaine at the Waneta port of entry near Trail on July 26, 2014.

Authorities said Gladdish attempted to cross back into Canada just before the border closed, and a search of her vehicle led to the discovery of a hidden compartment.

She was charged with importation of a controlled substance and possession for the purpose of trafficking.

“This significant seizure demonstrates the excellent work of our border services officers to ensure our borders are not used for the smuggling of illegal drugs. It also shows how collaboration with other law enforcement agencies such as the RCMP can effectively help to prevent criminal activity in Canada,” Canadian Border Services Authority Chief Lorne Black said at the time.

Gladdish pleaded guilty at the end of June 2015 to importing a controlled substance, and now awaits a decision on what sentence she will serve.



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