A Solihull man who smuggled 32kg of cannabis in suitcases from Dubai has pleaded guilty, telling magistrates he has a solicitor ready for his crown court sentencing.
Christmas Eve Offence
Nathan Corfield, 21, of Ulverley Green Road, imported the class B drug as he returned from a trip to Dubai on Christmas Eve 2024. He appeared at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, June 23, where he pleaded guilty to importation of a class B drug, namely cannabis.
The prosecutor stated: "The offence dates back to Christmas Eve 2024. The defendant had been returning from Dubai with suitcases containing 32kg of cannabis."
Case Sent to Crown Court
Magistrates deemed the case too serious for their sentencing powers and committed it to Birmingham Crown Court. The chair of the magistrates told Corfield: "As our sentencing powers are not sufficient for this case, we are sending it up to the crown court for sentencing on July 21. The offence is so serious you need a greater punishment than we can give."
When asked if he had legal representation, Corfield responded: "I have a solicitor ready to go to crown court." He was unrepresented at the first hearing.
Sentencing Guidelines
According to the prosecutor, given the large amount of cannabis and sentencing guidelines, even if a lesser role is considered, the case warranted crown court sentencing. The defendant will be sentenced on July 21.
