A man in Wales attempted to receive packages of cannabis from the United States disguised as Yankee candles, but his plan was thwarted when the parcels were intercepted by customs officials. Anthony Chadwick, 62, was identified as the intended recipient of the packages, which were seized by a customs official in Slough, Berkshire, on May 31 last year. Upon inspection, the parcels were found to contain 127g of cannabis cleverly concealed as Yankee candles.
During a sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court, it was revealed that not only was one package intercepted, but a total of three more packages were also discovered on the same day. In total, the combined weight of the drugs amounted to 815g, with an estimated value of at least £5,800. Prosecution stated that the defendant was involved in the distribution of cannabis between May and June of the previous year.
Following a search of Chadwick’s residence in Merthyr Tydfil on June 2, a mobile phone was confiscated, revealing his involvement in the supply of cannabis. Chadwick admitted to using cannabis since the age of 16 and engaging in dealing to sustain his own habit. Initially, he claimed the packages were meant for someone else but later pleaded guilty to charges of fraudulent evasion of a ban on importing class B drugs and being engaged in the supply of class B drugs.
The court heard that Chadwick had prior convictions related to minor drug and driving offences. In a statement of mitigation, his lawyer Hashim Salmman stated that his client had a prolonged addiction to cannabis and had lost his job, factors that contributed to his current offenses. Recorder Christian Jowett sentenced Chadwick to a suspended 14-month imprisonment for 18 months. Additionally, Chadwick was ordered to undertake a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement and 150 hours of unpaid work.
The attempt to smuggle cannabis disguised as candles highlights the ongoing battle against illegal drug trafficking, with authorities remaining vigilant to intercept such illicit activities. Chadwick’s case serves as a reminder of the consequences individuals face when engaging in drug-related offences, highlighting the importance of adhering to the law and the repercussions of illegal actions.