Fletcher Nelson, 24, of Union Mills, was sentenced to two years and one month at Douglas Courthouse for money laundering and possession of cannabis with intent to supply.[1] During the arrest for money laundering on 24 March, officers found a blue holdall containing 3lb (1.4 kg) of cannabis in packages at Nelson’s home in Snugborough Avenue, Union Mills, Braddan.[1] The cannabis had a street value of £27,000.[1]
Nelson helped move more than £36,000 of criminal cash off the Isle of Man over a 16-month period.[1] His bank account statements showed 25 credits totalling £36,822 between April 2022 and August 2023, despite him having no income and receiving no benefits.[1] £36,210 was transferred out to 23 different accounts using different reference terms, including car, puppy, holiday and tickets.[1] The arrest was part of a police operation targeting organised crime groups.[1]
Although Nelson told officers the drugs were for personal use, messages on his mobile phone showed evidence of dealing.[1] Nelson pleaded guilty to two counts of money laundering and possession of cannabis with intent to supply.[1] Nelson’s defence advocate said he had a significant drug debt of over £2,000, and that the difference between the money going in and out of his account meant the actual benefit was clearly very small.[1] Deemster Graeme Cook said Nelson was trying to make money out of drug activity.[1]