Marko Korpinen, 40, was sentenced to two years and three months with a non-parole period of 15 months for knowingly taking part in the supply of cannabis.

Kylie Stockwell was sentenced to 12 months in prison with a non-parole period of six months. However, she was on remand for six months before being granted bail between December last year and June this year so her parole began yesterday.

The court heard Korpinen was a courier of cannabis between October 2007 and December 2008 for the alleged mastermind of the operation and her number two.

He became involved as a way of financing his own drug use, the court heard.

Korpinen came to Australia six years ago. He was born in Finland and lived and worked in Denmark for a time.

After leaving a failing business in Tasmania, Korpinen moved to Dubbo. His visa expired in 2007 and he became involved in the supply of illegal drugs.

By that stage, he was using $800 to $1000 worth of cannabis a week.

The amount involved in Korpinen’s part of the operation was at the “very upper” end of the indictable quantity, which is 25kg, the court heard.

Living most of his life in Finland and Denmark, Korpinen “may not have realised the seriousness of his actions,” Acting Judge Sir Robert Woods said.

Cannabis is not viewed so seriously over there, the court heard.

Stockwell, 36, was described as a “street-level supplier and messenger” and was only part of the operation for two to three weeks.

She stored cannabis in her house, the court heard.

Judge Woods said Stockwell had taken a number of steps to address her problems with depression and drugs.

He noted the seriousness of crimes involving the supply of drugs when handing down his sentences.

“The use of any (illegal) drugs causes harm in the community,” he said.

“While cannabis has been viewed as less serious in the past, it can often lead to the use of more illicit drugs. They can have a devastating effect on society ... and tragic consequences for individuals.”