POLICE in Newton Abbot have intercepted a Christmas parcel which contained more than a festive gift.

The wrapped present appeared to be a card along with a box of strong mints.

On closer inspection, however, it also contained a plastic bag filled with suspected cannabis.

Vigilant staff at Newton Abbot post office noticed the parcel smelled of cannabis and alerted police.

Officers collected the parcel and took it back to the police station where, when they opened it, they discovered it contained the small bag of the drug.

PC Vicky Parkin explained: ‘There was no writing on the card other than the printed message which said Have A Fun Christmas.

‘We don’t know who sent it and the cannabis will be disposed of.

‘Whoever wrapped it tried to disguise the smell with the mints but they didn’t open any of the packets to release the mint smell.’