A MOTHER reported her son to the police after opening a package containing £30,000 worth of cannabis.

The woman questioned Oliver Mitchell about the 15kg parcel and, when she did not believe his story, ripped it open to uncover the drugs.

Mitchell, 20, had been promised £500 to take delivery of the drugs, which were sent by courier from South Africa.

Brian Payne, prosecuting at Oxford Crown Court on Friday, said: “There had been a lot of discussion between Mrs Mitchell and her son about the package and that had given her some cause for concern.

“She was so concerned about what the package might contain, because the story she had been given differed in so many ways, that she opened it and handed it on.

“He was the mail drop. He has been the individual to whom the package has been delivered and in due course it would have been passed on to other people.“ Mr Payne said police later tracked down Lewis Cox, 23, who admitted he was also involved in the plot.

He added experts valued the cannabis at £30,000 but said it could reach up to £45,000 if broken up into street deals.

Mitchell, of Kidlington, admitted possessing and being concerned in the supply of cannabis and was jailed for 18 months.

Cox, of Northampton Road, Weston-on-the-Green, admitted supplying cannabis and was jailed for two years.

Glyn Samuel, defending Cox, said his client had mental health problems.

He said: “He is a somewhat vulnerable young man, who at the age of 23 sometimes does not behave as a 23-year-old.

“Pressure can be put on him by others, particularly those who know his nature.

“He was a casual taker of cannabis always relying on the same dealer. He was then contacted out of the blue by someone who had obviously got his name from his drug dealer and told him to provide an address to which the drugs could be delivered.”

Claire Fraser, defending Mitchell, said: “Mr Mitchell shows a genuine remorse for the situation which he finds himself in.

“He says it was stupid and he regrets every minute of it.”

Jailing the pair, Judge Christopher Compston said: “This was one large parcel which would have flooded the city and more and more people would then have been hooked or rehooked on cannabis.”

Speaking to Mitchell, he said: “I commend your mother for the courage she showed and so should you.

“If she had not you may well have got into a worse situation as the years went on.”

Outside court, Dc Jill Morton said: “I am pleased. I think it is the right result.”

esimmonds@oxfordmail.co.uk