Court for trio accused of producing £300K of cannabis to Island

Three men facing production charges

Three men have appeared in court accused of producing more than £300,000 of cannabis to the Isle of Man.

John Joseph Skillen, of Archallagan Terrace in Foxdale, has been charged with producing cannabis and tetrahydrocannabinol on 17 November.

It’s alleged that more than 15 kilograms of cannabis, and a number of THC vapes, were seized at Douglas Harbour on that date.

The 43-year-old is also accused of possessing the two substances with intent to supply; he’ll next appear in court on 2 January.

Mr Skillen appeared alongside Liam Anthony Lewis, of Sulby Glen, who has been charged with the same offences.

The 26-year-old entered not guilty pleas and was told committal proceedings, where the case is elevated to the Court of General Gaol Delivery, will take place next year.

Bail, with conditions including curfews and no contact orders, was extended for both men.

They were joined in the dock by Ashley Ronald Joseph Harrison, of Kerrowmoar in Sulby, who appeared from custody.

The 35-year-old also denied two offences of producing cannabis and tetrahydrocannabinol on 17 November.

He’ll also be committed to the higher court on 30 January 2024.

Bail was granted on the condition a £7,500 surety and £7,500 security was lodged with the court.

Update: At Douglas Courthouse on 18 January the prosecution offered no evidence on all the charges faced by Mr Lewis and they were withdrawn. 

Update: At Douglas Courthouse on 30 January Mr Harrison's advocate challenged the committal process. A contested committal hearing will now take place on 20 March.