A 22-year-old man has admitted having £2,494 worth of cannabis sent to him in the post.

Connor James Perry, of Belmont Terrace, Douglas, said he agreed to receive the package for a friend who said it was a birthday present.

He was initially charged with production of the drug to the island and was due to be committed to the Court of General Gaol Delivery.

However, committal was going to be challenged by Perry’s advocate Kate Alexander and it was agreed to replace the charge with one of possession of cannabis with intent to supply.

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Perry admitted that offence and will be sentenced in summary court on January 7 after a probation report has been completed.

Prosecuting advocate Barry Swain told the court that police were called to the sorting office on August 30 after a report of a suspicious package.

It was addressed to ’Alex’ at Perry’s home address and was said to be smelling of cannabis. Police opened the parcel and inside found 124.7 grams of green vegetable matter in a jiffy bag.

On September 5, a man identifying himself as Alex Watworth phoned the sorting office to enquire about the whereabouts of the package.

However, investigations identified the phone used as belonging to Perry.

He was arrested and when interviewed handed in a prepared statement denying being concerned in the production of cannabis to the island.

Perry said that he had been asked to accept the package for a birthday present for a friend of a friend but admitted that he had suspicions about its contents.

Defence advocate Ms Alexander said that it was only when the delivery card for the package turned up that Perry became concerned.

’He was not going to be involved in commercial supply,’ said the advocate.

’He was going to pass it on to a friend.’

Ms Alexander said that a basis of plea stating this was likely to be submitted before sentencing.

High Bailiff Jayne Hughes ordered that the probation report consider all options, including custody.

Bail continues with a condition that Perry contact probation.