A Pembroke man who denied masterminding a plot to smuggle in $3.5 million of cannabis has been jailed for nearly 12 years, after admitting he played a significant role.Kenneth (KJ) Zuill, 40, of Deepdale, will serve that sentence, in addition to an earlier three-and-a-half year Magistrates’ Court sentence for possession of cannabis and cocaine with intent to supply.“I note that you played a major part in this,” Acting Justice Charlene Scott told Zuill in the Supreme Court.“Even though you were not the kingpin, you did organise funds, and you did organise two others to do your bidding. They did that to their detriment, as well as your own.”Co-conspirators Michelle Gibbons and Mary Johnson have already been jailed, for eight and ten years respectively.Both were caught trying to board a flight a Bermuda from Newark Liberty International Airport on October 21, 2010. Gibbons’ luggage contained 21kg of cannabis, and pleaded guilty to conspiring to import the drug.Johnson’s case went to trial, during which the court heard that she had tried to smuggle 49kg of cannabis, after being given $2,570 in cash by a man called “KJ”.She claimed not to have known what the packages contained, but also said she had been told by “KJ” that he had “paid everybody off” at LF Wade International Airport.Johnson was found guilty and jailed in November of last year. At her sentencing, the quantity of drugs involved drew comment from Puisne Judge Carlisle Greaves that he had never seen anyone attempt to bring in such a large amount in their baggage.In her submissions to the Crown, Senior Crown counsel Susan Mulligan said Zuill was “managing the conspiracy from Bermuda”.Zuill initially denied conspiracy but changed his plea last month, with defence lawyer Charles Richardson telling the Court yesterday: “He is very sorry for allowing himself to be convinced that he should take part in this.“This is not his conspiracy. But he does take responsibility, and understands that he is to go to prison.”Zuill is already serving three and a half years on charges of possessing cocaine and cannabis with intent to supply.In that case, officers on foot patrol spotted Zuill on September 19, 2011, walking along Happy Valley Road, Devonshire, and heading to the nearby park with a plastic bag in his hand that was found to contain drugs.Ms Mulligan conceded that her requested jail term for Zuill “may appear at first blush to be a light sentence”.Noting Zuill’s remorse and guilty plea before a trial, she said the Crown had accepted that Zuill was “not at the top of the conspiracy”.“The Court must try to impose sentences that will deter and rehabilitate the offender, but not crush him,” she added.Addressing the Court, Zuill said: “I’m sorry for what I done. I’m guilty of what I am accused of, and I would like to say sorry to the people that were involved.”His total sentence stands at nearly 15 years, although Justice Scott allowed for time already in custody prior to his latest sentence.