A woman has admitted trying to smuggle thousands of pounds worth of heroin into the island on the ferry.

Ann Marie Westwood was arrested as she got off the ferry from Liverpool on June 16.

She was found to be hiding 64 grams of the drug internally, valued at between £8,000 and £16,000.

The value of the drug is difficult to establish as it depends on how and what substances is later mixed with.

Westwood wept in court as prosecutor Rebecca Cubbon told how the 43-year-old had arrived at the Sea Terminal in the island at 10pm.

She was said to be agitated and was questioned by police but could give no reason for her trip.

After being taken to police headquarters and searched police found nothing on her but it was ascertained that she was hiding something internally.

Westwood, of Hough Lane, Leyland, Lancashire, was taken to Noble’s Hospital where she produced two packages from her vagina, one weighing 27.2 grams and one at 37.1 grams.

Messages on her mobile phone implicated her in drug trafficking.

Ms Cubbon said that the case should go to the Court of General Gaol Delivery for sentencing.

Defending Westwood, advocate Paul Rodgers applied for bail but this was opposed by Ms Cubbon and subsequently refused by magistrates.

Mr Rodgers said that his client cared for her daughter and granddaugher in Leyland.

He said: ’Unfortunately, Ms Westwood is a heroin user. She has had difficulty funding her habit. As so many people do, she made the horrendous decision to carry some drugs for a dealer.

’She was going to be rewarded by paying off her debt and being given £100 and some heroin.

’She didn’t realise the Isle of Man was a separate country, she thought it was the equivalent of a train journey. She now knows she’s going to be spending time in Jurby.’

The advocate went on to say that Westwood had ADHD and mental health problems.

’She was moving to a subutex program, but given she was still using once or twice a week she fell into this.’

The case was adjourned until July 1 when Westwood will make her first appearance at the higher court.

Westwood is remanded in custody.