A Douglas teenager who had more than £1,500-worth of cannabis concealed in a wheelie bin at his home has been bailed pending further discussions with his advocate.

Louis Henri Thomas, of Rockside Flats in Douglas, was subjected to a police search when they intercepted him near the lifting bridge at South Quay in Douglas on December 20.

Hazel Carroon, for the prosecution, told the court police had confronted the youth at around 8pm.

A search revealed a bag of cannabis and he was taken to the police station where a further search produced more cannabis, and cash totalling £1,285. In all, the drugs weighed 56.6 grams and, according to police, were worth £1,132.

’He was arrested on suspicion of possessing drugs with intent to supply,’ Miss Carroon said.

A further search at the 19-year-old’s home address yielded electronic scales.

’Other items relating to the supply of drugs were also found in his bedroom,’ Miss Carroon said.

A more extensive search produced further spoils when police discovered a plastic bag in the wheelie bin containing 85.9 grams of cannabis bush, said to be worth £1,718.

Police seized the defendant’s mobile telephone and trawled through messages which, the prosecution claimed, also implied supply of controlled drugs.

The court heard had he denied the offence, he would, on conviction, have been facing a potential prison sentence starting point in the Court of General Gaol Delivery of around 18 months. However, the defendant’s youth, total lack of previous convictions and guilty pleas were in his favour.

The defendant admitted two offences of possessing cannabis with intent to supply and one of possessing criminal property, all on December 20 last year.

His advocate, Paul Rodgers, told the court: ’All of these drugs are from the same batch. He has a drug habit and he is in debt to his dealer. His dealer asked him to deal. The items in the bin would have been for profit to give to the dealer. He also received an amount for some personal use,’ he said.

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes agreed to adjourn the case for one week while the prosecution and defence agreed a formal basis of plea.

Thomas is to reappear before the court on March 14.