22/01/2003

South African man in custody after cannabis seizure

A South African national has been remanded in custody following a cannabis seizure at Belfast International Airport worth an estimated £53,000.

Gabriel Jacobus Frederick Erasmus, 48, appeared at Belfast Laganside Courts yesterday charged with illegally importing prohibited substances. Mr Erasmus was remanded in custody until January 28.

The charges follow on from the seizure of around 17 kilos of herbal cannabis on a Johannesburg-bound flight by Customs officers on Monday afternoon.

Commenting on the charges, Customs’ Head of Anti-smuggling Northern Ireland Colin McAllister said: “The removal of over £50,000 worth of cannabis from the criminal supply chain shows Customs’ commitment to the multi-agency fight against drugs.

“In line with the UK Government’s drugs strategy, we work with our partners at home and abroad to reduce the availability of Class A drugs, while continuing to detect and prosecute smugglers of other illegal drugs such as cannabis."

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