A pregnant teen smuggled £225,000 of cannabis into the UK from Canada.
Daniella Kankam-Adu's suitcase was searched at Newcastle Airport when she arrived on a flight from Toronto on March 6.
Newcastle Crown Court heard Border Force officials found 22.5 kilos of cannabis in her case, which had a wholesale value of £67,500 or £225,000 when sold on the streets.
Kanham-Adu, 19, of Queens Road, London, who has never been in trouble before, admitted being concerned in the fraudulent evasion of prohibition of importation of goods.
Prosecutor Kevin Wardlaw said her basis of plea was that a friend had suggested she could make £250 by importing vapes into the UK and she travelled to Canada, after being given tickets and instructions, where she met a man who gave her a suitcase.
Mr Wardlaw added: "She realised by the size and weight it didn't contain vapes and realised it could be cannabis. She wanted the money and had a return ticket so came back to the UK. She was unaware of the value of the cannabis."
The court heard Kankam-Adu became "obstructive" with officials when she was stopped at Newcastle.
Glenn Gatland, defending, said Kankam-Adu has no experience of criminality and has never been in trouble before.
Mr Gatland said the teen spent time in care as a child and wanted money for a deposit on a flat when she found out she was pregnant but has since lost her baby while in custody on remand.
He added that she "turned a blind eye" when she realised it was not vapes that she was carrying, is ashamed and apologises for her behaviour at Newcastle Airport.
Miss Recorder Rebecca Brown sentenced Kankam-Adu to 12 months suspended for 18 months with rehabilitation requirements.
The recorder said Kankam-Adu has a realistic prospect of rehabilitation, a good work ethic, a support network and does not pose a risk or danger to the public.
Share