Michael Peter Gawne, aged 18, of Waterloo Road, Ramsey, and Matthew John George Williams, aged 18, of May Hill, Ramsey, have appeared in court via video link jointly charged with importing ecstasy and cannabis to the island.

The case was due to be committed to the Court of General Gaol Delivery but prosecuting advocate Roger Kane told the court that drug test results were still awaited from the UK in relation to the alleged ecstasy.

Mr Kane said that results were unlikely to be back before the end of March.

Defence advocate Kate Alexander, representing Mr Williams, said that her client had been in custody since December 3 and that a further month would be unacceptable.

Ms Alexander asked for the case to be discharged saying that, at this stage, the prosecution could not show there was a case to answer.

Mr Kane said that if the case were discharged, it would only be likely to be brought back and start again in six weeks time when results had been received, which would mean an even longer delay for the defendants.

The prosecutor said that the allegation involved 1,466 tablets and asked for an adjournment to allow time for the results to be received.

Magistrates agreed to the adjournment until April 13 but both men will appear in court again via video link on March 30. No bail applications were made.