Kandemir Meryem Nilgun, 36, and 32-year-old Kucuk Melek imported heroin into Malta on two separate occasions in 2003. On 15 April, they were apprehended and searched by police officials and were found to be carrying about 200 capsules of heroin, that was 47 per cent pure.

The quantity of drugs found was capable of fetching an extraordinarily high price on the street and, in fact, the bill of indictment said the women fell into the trap of drug trafficking because of the “quick and easy profit trafficking could net.” Their defence attorneys told the court that both are single mothers and suffer from financial problems.

In its submissions regarding punishment, the defence referred to a number of points the court should consider before passing judgement. The accused filed early guilty pleas, gave detailed statements to the police and even named who the drugs were for.

In addition, both women had a clean record, prior to this crime.

Presiding judge Mr Justice Joseph Galea Debono pointed out that the women only filed a guilty plea after they had been caught in the act and felt that they had no way out.

The judge convicted both women and sentenced them to 13 years in prison and a Lm20,000 fine that, if not paid, can be converted into a further 18 months in prison. The women were also ordered to pay Lm339 each in court expenses. The court ordered that the women be deported after they have served their jail term and paid their fines.