Two 18-year-olds from Ramsey have been charged with importing ecstasy and cannabis to the island.

Matthew John George Williams, of May Hill, and Michael Peter Gawne, of Waterloo Road, are jointly accused of production of the two drugs.

The case was due to be committed to the Court of General Gaol Delivery on Tuesday (February 2) but the court heard that test results for the drugs are still awaited from the UK.

The teenagers appeared in court via video link from the prison.

Prosecuting advocate Hazel Carroon said that there is currently a 12-week turnaround time for results to come back from the UK but it also depended on when they were sent.

Ms Carroon said that it seemed that police currently send drugs for testing at monthly intervals but there were delays due to Covid-19 and special exemption certificates being issued allowing officers to take the drugs off the island.

Ms Carroon said that results were not likely to be received until the end of March.

Mr Gawne was represented in court by advocate Jane Gray who made no bail application.

Mr Williams was represented by Kate Alexander who also did not ask for bail but said that, while she sympathised with the testing situation, it was unsatisfactory since her client had been charged on December 3

Ms Alexander asked for the case to be adjourned for four weeks and then an update be given on the test results.

High Bailiff Jayne Hughes adjourned the case until March 2 saying that she hoped the test results could be expedited and that committal may be able to take place on that date.