Three drug-drivers have lost their licences after appearing before Ipswich magistrates.

James Wheeler, of Adastral Close, Felixstowe, alleged there was a cannabis culture at Felixstowe docks after admitting possession of the Class B drug and driving above the specified drug limit.

The 32-year-old was caught on February 17.

Colette Harper, prosecuting, said police had stopped Wheeler who was in a black Citroen Saxo.

The court heard there was signs of cannabis usage as Wheeler’s pupils were dilated.

Herbal cannabis was found when the vehicle was searched.

A blood test showed Wheeler had 4.3 microgammes of cannabis in his system. The legal limit is two mcgs.

David Stewart, mitigating, said his client used to work at Felixstowe Docks where he alleged there was a culture of smoking cannabis.

Since his arrest Wheeler was said to have sought help for his problem.

He was ordered to pay a total of £220 in costs and a fine, and disqualified from driving for 12 months.

A separate hearing heard Gary Sherman, of Lodge Road, Hollesley, had 11 times the legal limit for cocaine and nearly 24 times the legal limit for a derivative of the Class A drug in his blood while driving his Subaru.

The 44-year-old pleaded guilty to two drug-driving offences on February 20.

The court was told police spoke to Sherman when his vehicle pulled into the Shell station on the A12 at Woodbridge.

They suspected he had been using drugs.

A subsequent test showed he had 111mcgs of cocaine in his blood when the limit was 10mcgs.

In addition he had 1189mcgs of Benzoylecgonine – a cocaine derivative – in his blood, which is 23-and-a-half times the legal limit.

Magistrates heard Sherman had previous convictions for drug offences.

Sherman’s solicitor David Stewart said since the offence his client has had a wake-up call.

Sherman was disqualified from driving for 24 months and must pay a total of £303 in costs and a fine.

A third drug-driver lost his licence for 12 months after he was caught with derivatives of cocaine and cannabis in his blood.

Karl Scrivens, of Gipsy Lane, Frostenden, near Beccles, admitted drug driving on February 21 at Wickham Market.

The 51-year-old must also pay a total of £481 in costs and a fine.