"The defendant has been convincingly proven to have brought in category I narcotic substance weighing more than five grams," chief judge Amzer Simanjuntak said when reading the verdict.
The sentence was higher than the prosecutor`s demand which was 20 years for the woman who had so far worked as a house maid on the island.
Carolina was caught at Ngurah Rai airport upon arrival aboard Air Asia AK 364 from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on July 12, 2010.
During checking the woman born in Cainta, Rizal Province, the Philippines, was found carrying 2.4 kilograms of heroin hidden in the upper and lower parts of the inner linings of her suitcase.
In the ruling the panel of judges stated the defendant was guilty violating Article 133 of Law Number 35 of 2009 on narcotics.
They said the defendant deserved severe punishment because she had tarnished the reputation of the island`s image as a tourist destination.
"She had opened an opportunity for possible illegal distribution of narcotics which is against the government`s anti-narcotic program," Amzer said.
Upon hearing the verdict Caroline cried. Her lawyer, Budiono, and prosecutor Ida Ayu Sulasmi, said they would take time to consider whether or not they would appeal the verdict.(*)
Editor: Jafar M Sidik
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
