A 40 year-old man who hid over ?4,000 worth of heroin inside his body has been jailed for two years by Deemster Doyle.

Geoffrey Cameron Watterson, of Thornhill Close, Port Erin admitted importing and possessing the drug.

Linda Watts, prosecuting, said the defendant was detained at the Sea Terminal during the evening of July 11.

Officers searched for suspected drugs but found nothing.

However, they had reason to believe Watterson was carrying an illegal substance, and took him to police headquarters.

Watterson still denied he anything illegal, but was examined by a police surgeon who was concerned for his well being, and had him transferred to hospital.

A CT scan showed packages concealed internally. Watterson eventually passed the packages voluntarily. He said the heroin was for his own use because he was dependent.

Mrs Watts said the heroin weighted 41.2 grams and had an Isle of Man street value of ?4,120.

Watterson's advocate said his client was a heroin addict. He had saved ?900 and gone to Liverpool to collect the drug because he had been told it was cheaper there. However he wouldn't name his supplier.

Mr Woods said Watterson was now on a methadone programme to get off the drug.

Deemster Doyle accepted the defendant didn't buy the drug for onward distribution, but said there was still a need for deterrent sentences.

(Picture: Douglas Courthouse, where Geoffrey Cameron Watterson was jailed).