18/09/2007 00:00:00
UK: Airport cannabis smuggler jailed
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A young South African man who attempted to smuggle more than 12 kilos of
herbal cannabis into Scotland has been sentenced to three years in jail.
Jean Pierre Bezuidenhout, 23, was arrested by HM Revenue and Customs
officers when he arrived at Glasgow Airport on a flight from Dubai.
The cannabis had a street value of £60,000 and was hidden in his luggage.
At Paisley Sheriff Court, Bezuidenhout admitted attempting to smuggle
cannabis into Scotland.
Anne-Marie Gordon, HM Revenue and Customs' assistant director of
investigation in Scotland, said: "Today's case sends another significant
warning to anyone tempted to smuggle drugs.
"Smugglers face criminal prosecution followed by the removal of any
financial benefits."
Bezuidenhout's sentence has been backdated to 5 June for time spent on
remand, with a recommendation for deportation on his release.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/7001166.stm
Source:
http://www.ukcia.org/news/shownewsarticle.php?articleid=12844
Author:
BBC News via UKCIA
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