Cannabis plot accused ‘had no idea what was in parcel’

A man accused of playing a part in the import of hundreds of kilograms of cannabis from the United States to Wales through the postal service said he had “no idea” what was in the parcel he allowed to be delivered to his home address.

Steven Munroe, 44, said he agreed with a neighbour, Sophie Jones, to allow one package to be delivered to his address, and that she paid him £50 after the delivery.

They are among seven people charged with importing more than 300kg (661lb) of cannabis from California and New York to Cardiff using the postal service.

The prosecution said Mr Munroe agreed for 23kg (51lb) of cannabis to be delivered to his address, but it was intercepted by the UK border force.

Earlier the court heard nearly 350 parcels containing between 100 grams and 2.5kg of cannabis to 66 different addresses had been intercepted by the border force.

Mr Munroe said after he was given £50 by Ms Jones he “knew something wasn’t right”.

He said he had become suspicious because her lifestyle had changed, and she was “buying more things than usual”.

Newport Crown Court heard he had known Ms Jones for about eight years and would regularly buy cannabis from her.

Mr Munroe said he had a “love-hate” relationship with her but would buy cannabis from her because “she always had the best”.

Defence barrister, Jon Anders, asked Mr Munroe when he received the package if he handed it to Ms Jones straight away, to which he said he did.

Mr Munroe was also asked if he knew what was in the package.

“No I didn’t. She asked me to do it again but I said no,” he replied.

The court heard he sent a text message to her saying she was “getting money for taking in dodgy parcels”.

She replied: “I haven’t taken in any more parcels than you.”

The court heard in another text message he had threatened to “grass her up”, and she replied saying she would “let the boys know”.

Mr Munroe said he felt scared by the threat.

Roger Griffiths, for the prosecution, asked Mr Munroe why he would allow a parcel for Ms Jones to be delivered to his address, to which he replied he did not know.

Mr Griffiths also said Mr Munroe had threatened to “grass her up” because he knew about the operation and was “part of this conspiracy”, which Mr Munroe denied.

The court heard Mr Munroe had no other contact with other members of the gang.

Sean Montgomery, 24, who is also charged with conspiracy to import and supply controlled drugs, did not offer any evidence in his defence.

The pair deny the charges and the trial continues.