An American who was caught with 32 kilograms of cannabis in his suitcases at Belfast City Airport was handed a two-year sentence today (Friday).
Akintunde Akinwande was stopped by inspectors at the airport after getting off a flight from London on March 28, 2022.
With an address as Arundel Drive in California, the 33-year old attending his sentence hearing at Belfast Crown Court via a videolink with HMP Maghaberry.
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He was handed a two-year sentence, which was divided equally between custody and licence by Judge Donna McColgan KC, for a charge of importing a controlled drug. Due to time already served, Akinwande will be released in two months and is likely to be deported.
The court heard that after disembarking from his flight at Belfast City Airport last March, Akinwande’s luggage was checked and suitcases containing 64 separate vacuum-packed bags amounting to 32 kilograms of herbal cannabis was seized.
Akinwande was arrested and taken to Musgrave Street Police Station, where he told officers what Judge McColgan described as an “elaborate tale” of being given a suitcase and money by a man who told him ‘go to Belfast and enjoy your time there’.
He told police he had no idea he was transporting drugs and also told a Probation officer he fell in with the wrong crowd who offered him an opportunity to take the packages abroad in exchange for money. Defence barrister Michael Ward said Akinwande’s arrest has had a devastating impact on his family, who attended the hearing via the videolink.
Mr Ward also spoke of his client’s previous good standing, his completely clear criminal record, his remorse and a desire to “lead a different life and put this matter behind him”.
As she passed sentence Judge McColgan said: “Whilst I accept some of the background, I do not for one moment accept that he had no idea that what he was doing was criminal.”
She also issued a Destruction Order regarding the drugs seized.
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