"Mint" Smuggler Jailed

An Ipswich man was sentenced to 18 months at Canterbury Crown Court on Thursday 2 September for the attempted importation of 500 cannabis plants through Dover.

Mateusz Malecki was stopped by UK Border Agency officers on 14 October 2009 at the tourist controls at Dover.

When questioned, Malecki said he had been to Belgium to look for a new car but hadn't bought one. Officers then opened the car boot and found the cannabis plants.

He was arrested and during a further interview Malecki said he thought the plants were mint which he intended to sell to shops and restaurants in the UK for a profit.

Forensic tests showed the plants to be cannabis.

A search of Malecki's home in Cavendish Street, Ipswich also found 208 grams of herbal cannabis and 0.23 grams of a white powder containing amphetamine, for which he received a further four months to run concurrently.

Malecki had previously pleaded guilty to all counts at Canterbury Crown Court on 6 July.

Malcolm Bragg UK Border Agency's Criminal and Financial Investigation Assistant Director said:

"It's not often we encounter cannabis being brought in to the UK in this way. Normally, cannabis - herbal or resin - is hidden in some way.

"Our officers are trained to detect all types of drug smuggling, however simple or sophisticated.

"We aim to protect society from the violence and corruption that always accompanies the trade in illegal drugs.

"Anyone with information relating to smuggling is encouraged to contact our hotline on 0800 59 5000."