A UK man has been sentenced at the Royal Court to eight years and three months in prison for importing half a kilo of cocaine into Jersey, concealed in a toolbox.

Andrew Lane hid the drugs in a rented white van which he then took on board the Commodore Clipper on 2 April 2024. 

The vehicle was searched by Jersey Customs and Immigration (JCIS) officers when it arrived in the island from Portsmouth. 

Half a kilo of cocaine was discovered wrapped in orange tape and hidden under some tools in a box. 

It's estimated the drugs have a street value of £125,000. 

The imported cocaine, wrapped in orange tape

The 45-year-old was accompanied by two other males when he was apprehended by officers, one of which was his stepson. 

Lane said the other two men "had nothing to do with it". Investigations by JCIS confirmed they had no knowledge of the attempted importation. 

The toolbox which was used to conceal the drugs

JCIS Senior Manager Luke Goddard said:

“This seizure was made following diligent work carried out by JCIS Border Officers.

"Seizures such as this will always result in continued investigation by JCIS Officers to identify and prosecute others involved in significant drug trafficking activity.”