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Used knowledge of the sea to bring in cannabis by Rib

USING years of fishing experience, Nathan Luke Martel navigated the difficult waters between France and Guernsey to import up to £290,000-worth of cannabis resin.

Nathan Martel used knowledge learned as a fisherman to take a Rib from Jersey to France and then to St Sampson’s Harbour in an attempt to import a large amount of cannabis,
Nathan Martel used knowledge learned as a fisherman to take a Rib from Jersey to France and then to St Sampson’s Harbour in an attempt to import a large amount of cannabis, / Not for sale

But his Rib was spotted by law enforcement officers, who were waiting for him at St Sampson’s Harbour.

The 34-year-old, who appeared from custody, was sentenced to seven years in prison when he appeared in the Royal Court.

He had pleaded guilty to attempting to import the class B drug.

Defence advocate David Thompson said his client had worked as a fisherman since leaving school at 15, but lost his boat and fishing licence in 2015 after committing money laundering offences.

He went on to become a fishmonger, but a shoulder injury resulted in him losing his job.

Martel had decided to commit the crime to help with money trouble and had used his marine skills to traverse the challenging stretch of water between France and Guernsey, via the Percee Passage between Herm and Jethou.

Full story in today's Guernsey Press

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