Nov 05 - Jet Ski Drug Smuggler Jailed
A Moroccan national has been sentenced to three years and four months in prison for the importation of around 100kg of cannabis resin with a street value of £500,000.
The Crown heard that 26-year-old Najib Ghezeil was riding on a jet ski on his way to Spain with five bales attached with ropes in the early hours of the morning of 3rd August.
The Royal Gibraltar Police’s Marine Unit received information that he was on the east side of the Rock. When they caught up with the jet ski, Ghezeil cut the ropes off two bales and jettisoned the cargo.
He proceeded to evade capture with dangerous manoeuvers and rode his jet ski towards Europa Point, when he collided with the RGP’s vessel and fell into the sea and was arrested.
Ghezeil was taken to the hospital and treated for injuries and subsequently taken to New Mole House Police Station. When questioned, he said he was on his way to Spain with the cargo, and that this was his first time importing drugs.
Ghezeil pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including importing approximately 100kgs of cannabis resin, possession of 100kgs of cannabis resin, dangerous navigation, obstructing police, jettisoning cargo and keeping a radio transceiver without a licence and appeared before the Supreme Court today.
Appearing for the defendant, John Viales explained that Ghezeil came from a poor family and was the eldest of seven siblings, and had to support his family in Tangiers. He had shown remorse, and has been learning English and Spanish while in prison, as well as woodwork to help his future job prospects. He said that this incident was a last opportunity for Ghezeil to be able to earn enough money to move to Spain to live with his girlfriend, as well as send some money home to his family.
Chief Justice Anthony Dudley said he could understand Ghezeil had done this “out of financial need”.
Ghezeil was sentenced to three years and four months for the importation of the cannabis resin, with no separate penalty for the other charges.
Ishbel Armstrong appeared for the Crown.
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