Two men have been jailed for five years for importing cocaine worth over £15,000.
Paul Antony Leeming (38) and Paul Arnett (60) were sentenced in the Royal Court yesterday.
The men, both from Stockton-on-Tees, arrived in the island together on Friday 2 May on a flight from Liverpool.
When stopped and questioned by Jersey Customs and Immigration Officers, they stated they were visiting Jersey to collect some of Arnett’s belongings that he had left when he had previously worked in the island.
During a search of their baggage, various items tested positive for traces of cocaine.
Customs officers became suspicious that the men were carrying drugs internally, and they were arrested on suspicion of importing controlled drugs.
CT scans at the Hospital showed “abnormal structures” in both men’s abdomens.
Arnett produced two packages containing a total of 28.16 grams of cocaine, while Leeming produced three packages containing 34.47 grams of cocaine.
The drugs both men were carrying were found to be of 78% purity.
Crown Advocate Hallam said “high-purity cocaine is likely to attract high prices”, and the court heard the drugs had an estimated street value of £15,750.
During interview, Leeming stated that he was a cocaine user and initially claimed that the cocaine he imported was for personal use – but later added that he would be sharing it with friends on island.
Arnett admitted to being a heavy cocaine user and also claimed that the cocaine was for personal use.
The Crown Advocate said both men had a string of previous convictions and were deemed at high risk of reconviction within the next 12 months.
None of Arnett’s previous convictions were drugs-related but one of Leeming’s was for drugs possession.
Crown Advocate Hallam added that Leeming was awaiting sentencing in the UK for a charge of grievous bodily harm.
She recommended jail sentences of five years for both, saying: “Their roles are identical.”
Advocate Ian Jones, defending Arnett, pointed out that the typical sentences the Crown had considered were for importations of between 25g and 50g of drugs.
But he said that since Arnett had brought in 28g, his offence was towards the bottom of the scale.
“He made a full and frank admission,” he added.
Advocate Julia-Anne Dix, defending Leeming, said his previous drugs conviction was 12 years ago, for possession of a small amount of amphetamine.
He had never been in prison before and she said his time on remand had been “a shock to his system”.
The advocate added that he had suffered difficulties in his life which had driven him to abuse alcohol and drugs, and had submitted a letter of remorse.
And she stressed that both men were engaged in “a solo operation” rather than as couriers for a larger network.
The Bailiff, Sir Timothy Le Cocq, said the Jurats had agreed with the Crown’s recommended sentences.
Jurats Dulake, Averty, Cornish, Le Heuzé and Powell were sitting.
After the sentencing, Paul Le Monnier, senior manager at Jersey Customs and Immigration Service, said: “This was clearly a commercial importation of cocaine carried out by the two men for financial gain.
“The importation of cocaine carries significant penalties, and the sentences handed out today demonstrate the seriousness of the offence and the stance the Island takes against drug trafficking.”
Anyone with information on drug smuggling can report it anonymously via 0800 735 5555.