A drug dealer is behind bars for five years after being caught trying to smuggle cannabis with a street value of more than $200,000 into Bermuda.

Randolph Richardson, 41, who suffers from sickle cell anaemia, which means he may only live to the age of 50, appeared for sentencing at Supreme Court after being found guilty at an earlier trial of importing a controlled drug and possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply.

Sentencing him, Puisne Judge Charles-Etta Simmons said: "Drug trafficking is so prevalent in our society that the court considers that a custodial sentence is required. The community deserves protection."

Crown counsel Brett Webber told the court that Richardson, of Glebe Road, Pembroke, was stopped at the L.F. Wade International Airport.

He said Richardson claimed his baggage, which had his name on it, and added: "Had he not been searched by Customs he would have been successful in importing this drug into Bermuda."

Customs recovered more than 11,000 grammes of cannabis, which Mr. Webber said had a street value of $202,000.

Defending Richardson, Llewellyn Peniston said his client had last offended in 1987 adding: "Since 1987 this man has had no connection with the court."

Mr. Peniston also said his client suffered from sickle cell anaemia, a condition where abnormally-shaped red blood cells can block the flow of blood. It can cause pain, serious infections and organ damage.

"The illness is serious and usually means that the person does not live beyond 50 years and he is 41-years-old," added Mr. Peniston.

The court heard that Richardson had accepted a suitcase from someone he barely knew before coming to Bermuda Mrs. Justice Simmons said he was naive to accept a suitcase from a virtual stranger.

She added: "The state of your health is a relevant matter which I take into consideration, but you were found guilty by a jury and you have shown no remorse."

She sentenced him to five years for each offence, to run concurrently.