Tuesday 29 October 2013
On Monday 28 October 2013, Terry Brian Marsh, a 25 year old local man, and Martin George Dodd, a 19 year old local man, appeared before the Guernsey Royal Court having pleaded guilty to importation of 501.9 grams of the Class B controlled drug, 4-Methylmethcathinone, otherwise known as Mephedrone. Marsh and Dodd were each sentenced to 5 years and 9 months imprisonment.
On 4June 2013 both males arrived in Guernsey on the Condor Ferries sailing from Poole. Martin Dodd was stopped by Customs Officers as he drove his vehicle through the vehicle examination hall. Following a search of the vehicle, Officers discovered the quantity of Mephedrone concealed within the chassis of the vehicle. Dodd was interviewed under caution during which he made full admissions to his guilt. He was subsequently charged with importing the drug.
Marsh disembarked the same ferry as a foot passenger in an attempt to disassociate himself with the vehicle but was later arrested by Police Officers. Marsh was also interviewed under caution where he claimed to have no involvement or knowledge of the concealed drugs. Several exhibits were taken to be examined including his mobile telephone. He was at this stage released on bail.
Examination of Marsh's telephone showed a video of the area of the drug concealment in the vehicle. Due to this new evidence Marsh was arrested on 6 June 2013 whilst attempting to board the ferry to Poole. Marsh was further interviewed under caution and chose to maintain a no comment stance throughout this interview.
In summing up Judge Finch stated that Dodd and Marsh were each fully involved in the importation of this 'nasty, dangerous drug'.
The total quantity of Mephedrone in this case would have had a potential local resale value of between £30,120 and £40,160.
Marsh and Dodd's sentences are due to run from the date of their arrest.
Law Enforcement are always grateful of any assistance given by members of the public in identifying any persons involved with smuggling or supplying controlled drugs in the Bailiwick; information can be given by contacting the Confidential Drugline on 0800 318 318.
