30 January 2025
A man was sentenced to three years and nine months in prison by the Royal Court on 30 January
2025 in relation to the importation of cannabis and cocaine.
On 10 April 2024, 49-year-old Tony SPENCER was stopped by Customs officers, driving a Jersey-registered vehicle, having arrived on the ferry from St Malo. SPENCER explained to officers that he had
moved from Jersey and in 2020 had opened a butcher’s shop in a town outside Malaga, but was
looking to relocate to Jersey.
A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a commercial vacuum heat-sealing machine similar to those
used in a butcher’s shop. Upon closer examination, it was found to contain nine kilos of cannabis in 100-gram bars and 290 grams of cocaine. In interview with Jersey Customs and Immigration officers,
SPENCER admitted placing the heat-sealing machine into his vehicle, but provided no further
information. SPENCER initially provided a not guilty plea, which he changed to guilty a month later.
JCIS officers examined the electronic devices SPENCER had with him, which showed he had been looking
at sites concerning drug sentencing in Jersey and ways to conceal drugs in cars.
The maximum street value in Jersey of the nine kilos of cannabis is £279,000 and the 290 grams of
cocaine would fetch £71,000.
Senior Manager Paul Le Monnier said: “Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of this attempted
importation. It also shows the high level of skill and vigilance our officers have in detecting commercial
quantities of controlled drugs and dealing with those responsible.”
gov.je