A scaffolder has admitting receiving a parcel containing more than £36,000-worth of cannabis in the post.

Mark James Taylor also told police that he had previously received a similar package six weeks earlier, which he no longer had.

Taylor said he had sold some of the drug to friends and associates, making more than £600.

The 37-year-old pleaded guilty to production (importation) of cannabis from the UK to the Isle of Man, attempted possession of cannabis with intent to supply, being concerned in the production of cannabis from the UK to the island, supplying cannabis, and possession of cannabis.

He will be sentenced at the Court of General Gaol Delivery on September 18.

Prosecuting advocate Hazel Carroon told the court that police were called to the Post Office sorting office on August 12 after a suspicious package was identified.

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It was address to Taylor at his home in Waterloo Road, Ramsey.

When opened it was found to contain three large quantities of cannabis with a total weight of 1,836.4 grams, valued at £36,728.

Police executed a search warrant at Taylor’s home and found a small amount of the drug there.

When arrested Taylor told police: ’This is a mistake.’

However, when interviewed Taylor admitted the parcel was his and said that he had also received a package from the UK six weeks earlier, on July 1, similar in weight and value.

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Taylor said he was given two ounces of the drug as a payment but had also kept seven or eight ounces to sell to friends and associates, which made him around £600.

Ms Carroon submitted that the case should go to the higher court for sentencing, with defence advocate Paul Glover agreeing.

Mr Glover made an application for bail saying that Taylor was from the island and was employed as a scaffolder with family ties in the Isle of Man so he was not a flight risk.

Ms Carroon opposed bail saying that it was a substantial amount of cannabis being sent through the postal system and destined for onward supply, though it had not been established to who.

The prosecutor said that, if the first package was the same, the court was looking at £70,000-worth of the drug.

Deputy High Bailiff Chris Arrowsmith refused bail citing the risk of Taylor committing further offences as grounds and remanded him in custody.

A probation report will be completed before the defendant is sentenced.