Opinion ID: 2966424
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Importation Count

Text: Chin also has argued that there was insufficient evidence to convict him as an aider and abettor in the importation of heroin. The court must uphold a conviction if after viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the prosecution, any rational trier of fact could have found the essential elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S. 307, 319 (1979) (emphasis in original). Chin was charged as both a principal and aider and abettor in a scheme to import heroin. After Chin moved for a directed verdict on the importation count, the trial judge ruled that the charge could go to the jury only on the theory that Chin aided and abetted in the importation of heroin. In order to prove aiding and abetting the importation of drugs, the government must demonstrate (1) that Chin associated himself with the importation venture; and (2) that he sought by his actions to make it succeed. United States v. Richeson, 825 F.2d 17, 21 (4th Cir. 1987). The government may demonstrate association by proof of participation at some stage accompanied by knowledge of the result and intent to bring about that result. Id. The only evidence that Chin aided and abetted the importation of heroin was that the heroin he sold was imported and still had its original purity, not having yet been diluted for sale on the streets. That evidence consisted of (1) the purity of heroin; and (2) the heroin's packaging bearing the double uoglobe symbol of the Shan Army. At oral argument, the government essentially conceded the insufficiency of its evidence to prove that Chin aided and abetted the importation of heroin beyond a reasonable doubt. We agree and find that the evidence was insufficient. Standing alone, the purity of heroin and packaging indicating a foreign source country are simply insufficient to prove importation or aiding and abetting importation. Nonetheless, the government has contended that the sentence would not be lessened by a striking of the importation count. We are not convinced that the sentence should not be lessened and, consequently, remand for resentencing. The district court may or may not 9 conclude that the vacation of the conviction as to Count VI warrants a reduction of Chin's sentence. Accordingly, the judgment is AFFIRMED IN PART, VACATED IN PART, AND REMANDED IN PART. 10