BANGOR – A federal judge this week sentenced two Caribou women to more than two years in prison each for their role in what he called a “major international drug conspiracy.”

Verna Haney, 44, and Linda Fortin, 43 – high school classmates and respected Aroostook County businesswomen – were part of a marijuana smuggling ring that involved several “runners” who brought large amounts of the drug in from Canada.

U.S. District Court Judge John Woodcock said Friday during Haney’s sentencing that the operation “violated the sanctity of borders” and “violated the trust between the people of Aroostook County and New Brunswick.”

In March 2003, Haney and Fortin were caught near Van Buren with approximately 144 pounds of marijuana in the back of a minivan.

Border patrol agents claimed they saw two people on snowmobiles approach from the Canadian border and throw large hockey-type duffel bags into the back of the van.

Fortin, the van’s driver, and Haney, a passenger, were stopped shortly after the vehicle pulled away with the drugs, according to court documents.

The two women were indicted in August 2004 by a federal grand jury.

Fortin was sentenced Wednesday to 29 months for possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Perry admitted Friday that Haney was only a “runner” for a much larger operation and that Fortin was responsible for recruiting Haney.

In light of that, Haney had the chance at a reduced sentence because of her lesser involvement, but conflicting testimony between her August 2004 grand jury indictment and her guilty plea hampered any leniency. Instead, Haney received 27 months for possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

Each woman also received five years of probation and a fine. Haney got a $10,000 fine and Fortin got a $5,000 fine. The judge told Haney that people who do things for money – in this case, sell drugs – should be penalized on the basis of money.

Woodcock also told Haney she did a disservice to her neighbors and said that cases like these heighten the need for more stringent border security.

Haney addressed the court briefly Friday. Her husband sat quietly behind her.

“I hate the situation I’ve put my family in,” she told Woodcock, breaking down in tears. “I’m very upset for being so ignorant and for only thinking about protecting others.”