Cannabis stash find from stun guns parcel

A dealer's cannabis stash was found after stun gun she imported from Taiwan sent the authorities to his home.

The four devices bought by Allan McMillan, which cost £46, were intercepted by customs officers at Gatwick in August 2019, in a parcel bearing his correct name and address.

Newcastle Crown Court heard as a result of the illegal purchase, the 25-year-old's-home was searched in November that year and 400g of cannabis, worth around £3,600 was recovered.

Prosecutor John Crawford told the court an examination of McMillan's phone revealed messages relating to "drug dealing" and selling on the stun guns.

McMillan, of Burns Avenue North, Houghton, who has never been in trouble before, admitted possessing cannabis with intent to supply and breach of the Customs and Excise Act.

Judge Stephen Earl sentenced him to a community order for 12 months with 150 hours unpaid work and a £425 costs order.

The judge said: "It was fairly inept because here he is importing stuff in his own name.

"Relatively young people unfortunately are attracted to things they don't have to buy over the counter and don't necessarily see as being a problem, if it can be bought and imported what's the problem? The answer is it's illegal."

Judge Earl told McMillan: "Let this be a warning shot, this needs to be your one and only conviction."

Mark Styles, defending, said McMillan is in a solid relationshipand has a good job.

Mr Styles said McMillan had been using cannabis since he was a teenager.