An Isle of Wight man who complained to an online cannabis dealer when his Royal Mail parcel did not arrive in the post – when, in fact, it had been seized by police – has been fined.

Ashley Walters, of The Rogers, Shanklin, attended the Isle of Wight Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, March 5, and pleaded guilty to attempting to possess a controlled drug of Class B, namely cannabis.

Lauren Stone, prosecuting, said the 21-year-old had ordered cannabis online and was awaiting the parcel to arrive in the post on July 6, 2023.

Ms Stone told the court the parcel was seized at the Sandown delivery office by Royal Mail, and passed onto police, who discovered 3.43g of cannabis inside.

Oscar Vincent, defending, said his client has been an occasional cannabis smoker and, after seeing an advert on a phone app, ordered the drug online.

Mr Vincent said Walters paid £50 for the product, but, unaware that it had been seized by police, complained to the dealer when he did not receive it – before the seller blocked him.

Walters was brought into police interview on July 24, where he was “very open and honest” with police, said Mr Vincent.

Magistrates handed Walters a £166 fine, £85 costs and a £66 surcharge.