05 November 2024
Two men were sentenced today (Tuesday 5th November 2024) in the Royal Court in two separate cases concerning the importation of drugs to the Island.
Richard Steven Connelly, aged 41, from Nottingham was sentenced to three years and six months for the importation of 10.29 grams of cocaine and 4.79 grams of ketamine, with a street value of approximately £1,900. Connelly arrived in the Island from Manchester on Tuesday 16th July 2024, when he was stopped and questioned by Jersey Customs and Immigration Service officers.
He claimed he was in the Island to undertake work as a roofer. However, following positive drug swabs for cocaine, Connelly was arrested by officers who suspected he was carrying drugs internally. He later produced a cling film wrapped package containing the drugs, which he stated were for personal use.
In the second case, Terry David Renyard, aged 52, from Spain was sentenced to seven years and six months imprisonment for the importation of 192 grams of cocaine, with a street value of £48,000. Renyard arrived in the Island from Manchester on Friday 5th July 2024 having travelled from Spain, where he had lived for the past seven years.
When stopped by JCIS officers, he stated that he was visiting the Island to see a friend “James" but was unable to provide any further details. Renyard was subsequently searched by officers and found to have concealed a package containing the cocaine within his underwear. During interview, Renyard admitted purchasing the cocaine in Alicante for sale in the Island.
Paul Le Monnier, Senior Manager at JCIS said: “Officers continue to work vigilantly at the Island's borders identifying those that they suspect are importing controlled drugs. These two cases demonstrate our pro-active stance in tackling drug trafficking."
Anyone with information on drug smuggling can report it anonymously via 0800 735 5555.
gov.je