Yu Tang and Jiangpeng Wei were caught after detectives discovered they frequently collected packages not addressed to them from shared student accommodation across the city.
When searched, the cardboard boxes were found to contain large quantities of cannabis which had been double vacuum packed and concealed with other innocuous items, such as T-shirts.
Enquiries revealed they had been imported from the USA and Canada, and they contained recipient details linking them back to the 26-year-old defendants.
Since the start of the investigation in September 2023, more than 40 parcels were intercepted or seized from the defendants’ addresses by officers, with the total quantity of cannabis exceeding 40kg.
Around £3,500 in cash was also seized.
Tang, of Fleet Street, Brighton, and Wei, of Kingscote Way, Brighton, were both arrested and charged with importing cannabis, and acquiring, using or possessing criminal property.
Police seized 40kg of cannabis (Image: Sussex Police)
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They pleaded guilty to the offences, and at Lewes Crown Court on August 14, Tang was sentenced to three years and nine months’ imprisonment.
Wei was sentenced to one year and six weeks’ imprisonment.
The offence of being concerned in the supply of cannabis was ordered to lie on file for both defendants.
Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Leon Ryan said: “This was a significant operation and the disruption caused to their criminal network goes well beyond the sentences.
“The number of intercepted parcels is believed to account for just a fraction of those delivered over many months. Furthermore, the quantities of cannabis were so far in excess of personal use that it was undoubtedly being prepared for wholesale distribution in the community.
“Tang and Wei aren’t the first students to be convicted in connection with the importation of cannabis and they likely won’t be the last. But I’d like to make it clear that this sort of criminality is not acceptable, and we will continue to deal robustly with offenders.
“I’d also like to take this opportunity to urge the public – in particular students – to think twice if they are approached with an opportunity like this. It is illegal and it will result in a criminal record, which could affect you for the rest of your life.”
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