A TRAIN passenger arrested in Carlisle aroused suspicion because the bag he was carrying smelled strongly of cannabis.

When British Transport Police officers arrested 38-year-old Gazmir Shehu on June 28, 2022, a search revealed his bag contained almost a kilo of cannabis bush. He was initially released on bail but then disappeared.

After being rearrested this week, the defendant was put before Carlisle’s Rickergate court, where he admitted possessing the class B drug with intent to supply.

The court heard that the defendant’s bag contained 910g of cannabis. Its estimated street value of the drug, the court heard, was between £5,000 and £10,000.

Staff on the Preston to Glasgow train became suspicious of its distinctive cannabis smell that came from the defendant's bag and so they alerted the police while the defendant - oblivious to their suspicions - slept soundly during his train journey.

He was awoken up and quizzed by the police when his train arrived in Carlisle.  Defence lawyer Andrew Gurney told the court: “When he was interviewed, he claimed he had paid £1,000 for the cannabis.

“He said it was for his own personal use.”

When he was asked to enter his plea to the possession with intent to supply allegation, the defendant, who is currently homeless, replied: “Very guilty.”

Magistrates sent the case to Carlisle Crown Court for a sentencing hearing on February 16. In the meantime, a background report will be prepared on the defendant, who listened to the hearing with the help of an Albanian interpreter.

Magistrates said Shehu must remain remanded in custody until he is sentenced. In recent months, the court heard, the defendant had been living in the Blackpool area.