09 January 2025
A 25-year-old man has been sentenced to five years and eight months imprisonment for attempting
to import cocaine into the Island, with a street value of £28,500.
Jake Lee THOMPSON, born 5 November 1999 in Stockport, but of no fixed abode, appeared before
Jersey’s Royal Court today (Thursday 9 January 2025).
THOMPSON arrived in the Island on Thursday 17 October 2024 on a flight from Manchester, travelling
with his girlfriend, when they were stopped and questioned by Jersey Customs and Immigration
Officers.
THOMPSON advised officers that they had no return flight, but it was their intention to remain
in the Island for a week staying with a friend, but he may also look for work as a mechanic.
During a search of his baggage, several drug swabs were taken by officers, which proved positive to
cocaine. THOMPSON initially denied drug use but later admitted to using cocaine the previous night. It was also discovered that the couple had visited the Island the previous weekend.
THOMPSON was subject to a search and was found to be concealing a cylindrical package internally,
which contained 113.37 grams of cocaine. During interview, THOMPSON stated that he was a simple
courier, and his girlfriend had no knowledge that he was importing drugs.
Paul Le Monnier, Senior Manager at Jersey Customs and Immigration Service, said: “This was an
unsophisticated attempt to import cocaine to the Island that was thwarted by the vigilance of our
officers at the borders. The sentence handed out to Thompson demonstrates the hard stance the
Island takes to drug trafficking.”
Anyone with information on drug smuggling can report it anonymously via 0800 735 5555.
gov.je