Canadian woman Isabelle Lagace cried in the dock as a Sydney judge sentenced her to seven-and-a-half years behind bars for attempting to smuggle almost 30 kilograms of cocaine into Australia.

Key points: The cocaine was estimated to have a street value between $17 million and $21.5 million

The cocaine was estimated to have a street value between $17 million and $21.5 million The court was told Lagace had debts of $5,000

The court was told Lagace had debts of $5,000 Lagace said her decision would "haunt her for the rest of her life"

Lagace, 29, had pleaded guilty in the NSW District Court of attempting to bring the drugs into the country on the Sea Princess cruise ship in August 2016.

Judge Kate Traill told the court Lagace's role as a courier was central to the drug importation.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) estimated the cocaine had a street value between $17 million and $21.5 million.

The court heard Lagace had been attempting to repay a debt, and was convinced to courier the drugs after meeting some people on a two-month round-the-world cruise.

Lagace's case has grabbed plenty of negative headlines in her native Canada, where media reported she was a "softcore porn star".

Judge Traill read out comments from Legace indicating her remorse.

The cocaine was found in a suitcase in August last year. ( ABC News )

"I fully take responsibility for my error in judgment," she said.

"It pains me to know my defining moments of womanhood will be spent in prison.

"This will haunt me for the rest of my life."



The court heard Lagace had a $5,000 debt to an unknown person, and took possession of the drugs the night before her ship docked in Sydney.

The court heard her role was to provide her bag to another passenger who would put an illegal substance inside.

The judge read out comments from Lagace suggesting her family was being threatened over the debt, and she was presented with an ultimatum to pay off her loan.

"I don't accept she had no choice," Judge Traill said.

The Australian Border Force found a suitcase full of cocaine. ( Supplied: Australian Border Force )

"Many choices were open for her to pay the debt."

Judge Traill said there was no evidence of fingerprints on the bag but said she was satisfied Legace knew there were drugs inside.

"I am satisfied her motive was profit whether it was forgiving of loan or financial reward," she said.

Judge Traill said she had "good prospects" for rehabilitation and set a non-parole period of four-and-a-half years.