A MAN has appeared in court, charged with drug smuggling.

Keith Andress, 63, of Brook Farm Close in Halstead is accused of illegally importing cannabis through Purfleet between July 2012 and July 2014.

He denied the charge when he appeared at Basildon Magistrates’ Court on April 7.

His case was transferred to Basildon Crown Court for a plea and case management hearing on a date and time to be fixed by the court service.

Andress was released on bail.