A man who this week admitted being a drug trafficker will be sentenced in January.

Damien Johnson pleaded guilty to being concerned in the production (importation) of cannabis to the island, being concerned in the supply of cannabis, possession of cannabis, and possession of class ’C’ drugs diazepam and Xanax.

The 36-year-old will be sentenced on January 8 next year after Deputy High Bailiff Chris Arrowsmith declined jurisdiction and committed him to the Court of General Gaol Delivery.

Prosecuting advocate Hazel Carroon told the court that Johnson was arrested after phone messages in relation to another person’s arrest implicated him.

Messages were found between Johnson and the other person saying: ’Let’s make some money,’ and ’That’s three parcels in three days to my building, chill now.’

Police arrested Johnson, who lives in Firman Close, Onchan, and found 2.3 grams of cannabis at his home, along with 33 diazepam tablets and 10 xanex pills.

The cannabis was valued at £46, the diazepam at between £18 and £36, and the Xanax at between £20 and £50.

Scales were also found as well as empty packaging.

During an interview Johnson handed in a prepared statement saying that the cannabis was for personal use and that he used the scales for his work as a chef, though he admitted he had used them to weigh cannabis.

Johnson claimed he collected packaging to make a motif for his wall and denied being involved in any supply of drugs.

However, one package was mentioned in phone messages with a photo of it attached.

It was estimated to have contained two to three ounces of cannabis.

Defence advocate Ian Kermode was admitting supply cannabis over a three-and-a-half week period to friends.

Mr Kermode entered a basis of plea in which Johnson admitted being involved in a decision to send two or three ounces of cannabis to an empty flat next to his but said he would have used some of the drug himself.

The court heard he has no previous convictions but two relevant cautions.

Deputy High Bailiff Mr Arrowsmith ordered that a probation report be prepared before sentencing which will consider all options, including custody.

Bail continues in the sum of £500 with conditions that Johnson contacts probation and lives at his home address.