IMPORTING controlled drugs was not the way to solve problems, a defendant in the Royal Court was told.

Sidney Howitt, 21, admitted bringing 96.94 grams of the Class B drug Mephedrone into Guernsey, concealed internally, on 18 July this year.

The drugs had a local street value of between £5,820 and £7,760.

Crown Advocate Fiona Russell said Howitt was unemployed and living in Weymouth at the time. He had previous convictions but none for drug offences.

Advocate Chris Green said his client had had a problem- filled life.  A probation report referred to his debt, drug taking, depression, and suicidal feelings.

Judge Russell Finch said drugs had ruined Howitt’s life and he needed to wise up and take responsibility.

Howitt was jailed for five years and eight months.