Colin Davies, 44, opened the Dutch Experience cafe in Stockport, Greater Manchester, in September 2001.

He claimed to supply cannabis to people using the drug for medicinal purposes, but police raided the premises and he was arrested.

His home at Romney Towers, Stockport, was searched and 90kg of cannabis was found, Manchester's Minshull Street Crown Court heard.

Colin Davies faces seven drugs charges

Customs officers later found packages addressed to Mr Davies in Dover containing 4kg of the drug, valued at around £18,000, the prosecution said.

He was then arrested again in November 2001 after a further raid at the Dutch Experience and £3,000 was found at his home.

Prosecutor Alan Wolstenholme said this must have been the proceeds from selling cannabis, as Mr Davies was claiming disability allowance at the time.

Mr Davies is charged with seven counts, including possession of a class B drug with intent to supply, being involved in the importation and supply of cannabis and allowing premises to be used for the smoking of the drug.

Phillip Rainford, 35, of Market Place, Stephen Caveney, 47, of Risworth Close and Andrew Young, 32, of Reddish Road - all Stockport - face charges surrounding supplying the drug.

Robin Wright, 46, of Duncan Road, Longsight, Manchester, is accused of allowing the cafe to be used for smoking cannabis while Mr Davies was in custody.

All five men deny the charges. The trial continues.