Cassandra Sainsbury has been sentenced to six years in prison under a plea deal approved by a Colombian judge.
The 22-year-old from Adelaide was initially looking at 20-30 years in prison, but could now serve as little as three years if she gets time for good behaviour.
The sentence has also taken into account the seven months Cassie has already served.
According to news.com.au, the judge described her as “victim” and “small fish” who had been duped by a large criminal syndicate into smuggling the drugs. He also said she would have to pay a fine of almost $90,000.
Cassie was discovered with nearly six kilograms of cocaine packed into her suitcase as she tried to fly home to Australia on April 11 from El Dorado International Airport.
She agreed to reveal the identities of others in the drug ring to receive a lighter sentence.
Cassie’s sister, Khala Sainsbury, recently told News Corp that she now fears reprisal attacks.
“She [Cassie] got told to be quiet otherwise they’d come after her family,” she said.
“My ultimate fear is bringing her home in a body bag.”
“I’m worried about my little sister. I never thought anything like this would happen in a million years.”
“I love her. I’ll always love her – she’s my sister.”
WATCH: Cassie shares her side of the story on 60 Minutes. Post continues…
Kahla also said the ordeal may have permanently sullied her sister’s reputation.
“It’s going to be hard for her to do anything,” Khala told Seven News.
“She’s always going to be labelled as ‘Cocaine Cassie’.”
Immigration Minister Peter Dutton said Sainsbury’s case should serve as another warning to Australians travelling overseas.
“People need to abide by the laws of that country. If not, they will face serious consequences,” he told Seven.
The US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) contacted Colombian authorities after her plane ticket home to Australia via London was purchased last minute by an “unknown party” in Hong Kong.
