Men in court over £267,000 cannabis allegations

Two men have appeared in court charged over an alleged smuggling plot involving a quarter of a million pounds worth of cannabis.

Christopher Joseph Parker of Fairfield Avenue in Onchan and Bilal Moghal of Jennison Close in Manchester appeared before magistrates at Douglas courthouse.

63 year old Mr Moghal is charged with obstructing police, producing 13 kilos of cannabis and supplying drugs on September 3.

43 year old Mr Parker faces charges of being concerned in producing cannabis, possessing it with intent to supply it and possessing more than £33,000 in criminal cash.

Prosecutor James Robinson told the hearing the men were arrested after meeting at Corkill's garage in Onchan just before 9.30am on September 3 and transferring packages between two vans.

Police followed Mr Parker to his home and arrested him, discovering 13.3 kilos of cannabis worth over £260,000 in his van and later found more drugs hidden in his garden and kitchen.

A tub in his garden had £33,000 in English and Manx notes inside.

Mr Moghal was arrested as he drove along Douglas promenade, and told police he was on the Island to deliver takeaway packaging to a restaurant - but couldn't identify the business.

Magistrates refused a bail application on behalf of Mr Parker and both men were remanded in custody until September 22.