A 62-year-old man has admitted trying to importing cannabis valued at $1.25 million into Bermuda.

David James Phillipson, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to importing the cannabis into Bermuda – on July 8, 2007 after disembarking from a plane that arrived from New York at the LF Wade International Airport.

He denied possession of the drugs with intent to supply, when he appeared before the Supreme Court yesterday. The court heard that after Phillipson had disembarked, Customs officers in the arrivals hall found the drugs from inside his luggage, before arresting and detaining him.

Director of Public Prosecutions Rory Field told the court that Phillipson admitted to investigators he had brought drugs into Bermuda at least twice prior to the seizure.

If Phillipson had sold the drugs in half brown twists at $25 each, this would have resulted in a return on the streets worth $1.25 million, Mr. Field clarified in court.

Defence lawyer Peter Farge made an application for Phillipson's bail to be extended pending his sentencing, saying Phillipson had a $50,000 surety and would not flee. However, the Crown objected to bail, citing the seriousness of the charge which is likely to carry a lengthy sentence in prison.

Puisne Justice Carlisle Greaves agreed and denied the bail application, remanding him into custody until a sentencing date can be determined on February 1. Justice Greaves said: "This is a matter in which drugs of this magnitude is likely to attract an immediate and substantial custodial sentence."

He also ordered presentencing reports at Mr. Farge's request.