MEDIA RELEASE
EMBARGOED UNTIL 9AM 28TH SEPTEMBER 2011
27th September 2011
Two Local Men Jailed For Drug Trafficking
Steven Keith MOURANT, aged 30 years and Christopher John KING aged 60 years, both local
residents appeared before the Island’s Royal Court yesterday where they pleaded guilty to
drug trafficking offences.
MOURANT together with KING imported 3.27 kilos of the Class B controlled drug, cannabis
resin, with MOURANT pleading guilty to three further offences of possessing 92.76 grams of
herbal cannabis and 10.4 grams of cannabis resin, both class B controlled drugs.
MOURANT received a total custodial sentence of four years and four months. KING was
sentenced to a term of imprisonment totalling four years.
Both men were arrested on 23rd April 2011 as part of a joint operation between the
Guernsey Border Agency and Guernsey Police. The Chief Officer of the Guernsey Border
Agency describes this as a sophisticated plot to import Cannabis Resin into Guernsey that
failed due to the professional manner that the Island’s law enforcement agencies worked
together using their combined resources.
King travelled to the UK with the motor cruiser “Gusto Spirit” to collect cannabis resin and
co-ordinated his return to the Island with MOURANT who using his own smaller vessel,
“Cloud Nine” awaited King’s arrival near to the Platte Fougere Light, north of Guernsey.
Without stopping, KING placed the package of cannabis resin overboard with a marker buoy
to then be retrieved by MOURANT. King continued his journey to St Sampson harbour and
after sometime fishing, Mourant returned to his mooring at Les Petils Bay landing the
cannabis resin whilst being monitored by the awaiting officers.
Upon sentencing the two men, Judge Finch said that the smuggling attempt was
sophisticated and reminiscent of a 1970’s film plot. He commended the Agency staff for
their zeal in this matter.
The Court adjourned the financial confiscation hearing, which will determine any benefit
and confiscation amount until 6th October 2011.
The Chief of the Guernsey Border Agency confirmed that both vessels used in this smuggling
attempt have been seized and are deemed liable to forfeiture under the Customs laws. He
further stated that this case demonstrated the success of partnership working with the
Island’s Police Force. The law enforcement authorities are determined to robustly tackle
drug trafficking and to minimise the instances of illegal drugs reaching the streets by
targeting those involved at the top end, putting offenders before the Royal Court and also
through seizing the assets involved with these criminal enterprises.
ENDS
For further information please contact Rob Prow, Chief of the Guernsey Border Agency on
telephone number 741400.
Gusto Spirit
Cloud Nine