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Smuggling two women into Canada as refugees has landed a Calgary man a two-year prison term.

Provincial court Judge Josh Hawkes on Wednesday said jail was necessary considering Mohammed Rafiq’s extensive involvement in the smuggling scheme.

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“While it is true that Mr. Rafiq did not make a significant profit from his involvement in the scheme, he played an essential role in this activity,” Hawkes said in his written ruling.

“I have concluded that a sentence of actual incarceration is required.”

Defence counsel Michelle Parhar had sought a conditional sentence of six months, which could be served in the community.

Parhar suggested the first three months could be served under house arrest and the next three under a curfew.

But Hawkes agreed with Crown prosecutors Dawn Poskocil and Lori Ibrus that a period of time in a federal penitentiary was required.

The prosecution had proposed a sentence in the 2 1/2- to three-year range.