An Indian caught with $317,240 of cannabis at the airport will be sentenced next week after pleading guilty to two counts of importing a controlled drug and two counts of conspiracy to import a controlled drug.

Chandra Kota, 23, admitted importing cannabis and cannabis resin after he arrived on the island on a British Airways flight on September 21 last year.

The court heard that the drugs had a total street value of $317,240 — prosecutor Adley Duncan added that the figure previously cited, of more than $620,000, had been a miscalculation.

At a sentencing hearing yesterday, Mr Duncan said that Kota was selected for a search by customs officers when he arrived at LF Wade International Airport.

Officers decided to scan his luggage — one hard-shell suitcase and a backpack — after he struggled to answer basic questions.

The X-ray revealed a heat-sealed package hidden in the lining of the backpack, which was later determined to be drugs.

Police also seized Kota’s mobile phone and discovered that he had travelled to Bermuda in July on another drug run, which was not intercepted.

For his second attempt, Kota pleaded guilty to conspiring with others to import the substances between an unknown date and September 21.

Kota, who is a student in Britain, did not answer allegations that he had the drugs with intent to supply, but those charges remain on file.

At his sentencing hearing, Mr Duncan recommended a term in prison of between six and eight years.

However, defence lawyer Nicole Smith said that a maximum sentence of four years was appropriate.

She pointed out that Kota had co-operated with police and pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.

She added: “He apologises for his actions and takes full responsibility.

“He throws himself on the court and does so with a heavy heart.”

Addressing Puisne Judge Alan Richards, Kota said: “I apologise for my mistake and I am very sorry, my Lord.”

Mr Justice Richards deferred sentencing until January 14 and remanded Kota into custody.

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