Three Birmingham men accused of smuggling a class A drug to the island have made a further court appearance.

Deepan Goel, aged 39, of Abbingon Way, Hardeep Singh Cheema, aged 39, of Caldwell Street, and Ramesh Pal Singh, aged 38, of Hagley Street, were arrested after police seized 85.53 grams of a drug from a car arriving from Heysham on July 1.

They were charged with importing morphine but the substance has been described as unusual.

On March 31, defence advocate David Reynolds, representing Mr Singh, said that an expert's report had highlighted the presence of morphine and opium.

He therefore questioned whether there should be two charges.

Mr Reynolds said that the prosecution’s view was that pleas should be entered, and it should later be determined whether the case should be heard in the lower or higher court, after more information on the drug was available.

However, he said that this was unfair on the defendants as sentencing powers would be different at each court.

Mr Reynolds said that the defendants had had to come to the island and take time off work, at great cost to them.

Deputy High Bailiff Rachael Braidwood said that it seemed that the expert analysing the substance had had to enhance his analysis, as he had been hard pressed to identify morphine, as the concentration was so low.

Prosecuting advocate Harry Bellis said that the police had been contacted for a follow-up report.

Mr Goel and Mr Cheema were represented by advocates Kaitlyn Shimmin and Lawrie Gelling respectively, who both agreed with Mr Reynolds’ comments.

The case has been adjourned until April 14, when it is hoped an update will be available.

The defendants will be permitted to appear via video link from the UK on that date.

Bail continues.