£70k cannabis smuggler referred to higher court

UK man set for sentencing at General Gaol Delivery

A man from the UK has appeared in court over a plot to smuggle almost £70,000 of cannabis to the Island.

Andre Piere Osbourne of Kimberley Avenue in Ilford appeared before High Bailiff Jayne Hughes at Douglas Courthouse.

Prosecutor James Robinson told the court police had stopped Osbourne at the Sea Terminal on 16 May.

During a search, they found 3.5 kilogrammes of cannabis bush with a street value of £69,734.

Osbourne was taken to police headquarters and as he was being placed in custody police discovered he had a smaller amount of cannabis on him.

The 37-year-old pleaded guilty to producing the drug, possessing it with intent to supply and a further charge of simple possession.

Mrs Hughes said it was a large amount of drugs with a very high value, and that her sentencing powers weren’t enough to deal with Osbourne.

He was remanded in custody until he’s sentenced at the Court of General Gaol Delivery on 3 June.