Pensioner accused of drug smuggling 'will go to jail'

An elderly pensioner who police claim was driving millions of dollars worth of marijuana from Adelaide to Darwin has been told he will almost inevitably be sent to jail.

Police discovered the drugs when Brian Anthony Smith was just four hours drive south of Darwin.

They say the 36 kilograms of marijuana they allegedly found hidden in his ute could have sold in remote communities for up to $3 million.

Smith's lawyer told the court her chronically sick client was offered $5,000 to drive the drugs to Darwin.

She told the court the 66-year-old was on a disability pension and has had a heart bypass and a stroke.

Magistrate Greg Cavanagh awarded Smith bail, but warned the pensioner that he will almost certainly go to jail.

The case is due back in court in August.

Newshawk: http://www.napnt.org
Pubdate: Wed, 18 July 2007
Source: Australian Broadcasting Commission (Australia-Web)
Website: http://www.abc.net.au/