We recently represented two men charged with importing a combined 21 kilograms of herbal cannabis through Gatwick Airport have each received a suspended sentence following proceedings at Croydon Crown Court.
The men were stopped at Gatwick’s North Terminal on 30th July 2026 after arriving on a flight from Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Border Force officers examined their suitcases and found numerous vacuum-sealed packages of cannabis. One defendant was charged in relation to 10 kilograms and the other in relation to 11 kilograms.
The prosecution estimated the combined potential street value at up to £100,000. Each defendant faced a separate charge of fraudulent evasion of the prohibition on importing a controlled drug.
Both men were represented by duty solicitors following their arrests. They later instructed Sahota & Sahota Solicitors on recommendation. By then, both had been remanded in custody. We held several conferences with them ahead of sentencing, ensuring that we could take their instructions and prepare their cases fully.
The prosecution argued that each had played a significant role and placed the offences in Category 3 of the relevant sentencing guideline giving a starting point of two years’ imprisonment and a range of 18 months to three years.
The defendants were represented by Ms Carina Clare and Mr Charles Royle of 23es Chambers.
Each defendant received a sentence of 22 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months. Each was also ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work within 12 months. Both avoided immediate imprisonment and were released upon sentence.
The outcome followed careful preparation while the defendants were in custody and close collaboration between us and Counsel. It also shows why the opportunity to give full instructions and prepare properly for sentence matters, even where a defendant has pleaded guilty.
Sahota & Sahota Solicitors represents clients facing drug importation allegations and other serious criminal charges at police stations and Crown Courts across England and Wales. For advice, contact our team on 0116 255 5155.
