A heroin addict who smuggled $1.4 million worth of the drug into Bermuda said getting caught turned out to be a "divine intervention" that steered his life back onto the right course.Shannon Forth was jailed for eight years yesterday by Puisne Judge Charles Etta Simmons. She described it as a sentence that would encourage father-of-two Forth’s “continued rehabilitation and law abiding conduct”.During the hearing, prosecutor Cindy Clarke explained that Forth, a plumber, flew to Canada from Bermuda on December 2, 2011.He was caught at the airport after flying back to the Island four days later. Police and customs officers discovered the drugs stashed inside a black portfolio binder that Forth was carrying his travel documents in.A total of three packages of heroin weighing 483.7 grams were found. The street value of $1.4 million was calculated based on it being sold in "decks" of three milligrams which sell for $20 each.Ms Clarke said Forth, 46, of no fixed address, has no previous convictions. When he was interviewed after his arrest, he declined to make any comment.He was taken to hospital during his time in police custody suffering from heroin withdrawal symptoms.Defence lawyer Elizabeth Christopher described Forth as an addict, and explained that his payment for smuggling in the heroin "was to be some of the drugs".Invited to address the court, Forth, who has two adult children, said: "Since I was arrested I have had chance to acknowledge my wrongs and what I was actually doing. I will say that I have had what I would call a divine intervention really, because through this experience I have had chance to find myself."He went on to explain: "I'm now on the right path as far as I can see. I am very sorry for what has happened. I just can't imagine the disgrace I have caused my family and children and I am truly sorry. I am also sorry for what I have caused to my wider family, which is Bermuda."Forth added that he is "looking forward to doing better things in the future”.Jailing him, Puisne Judge Charles-Etta Simmons said: “Importation of drugs, in particular heroin, is a serious offence and attracts a substantial custodial sentence.”She said that in this case, mitigating factors including Forth’s addiction and his contrition meant a shorter sentence was merited.She ordered him to undergo drug treatment, therapy and an educational programme while in prison. The time he has served in custody since his arrest will be knocked off his prison term.