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A man who, in a desperate attempt to provide for his family after losing his job, tried to smuggle £360,000 worth of cocaine into the country from Jamaica has been sentenced to six years in custody.
Gatwick Airport border force officers discovered 4.5 kilograms of cocaine concealed in a hidden compartment of Seth Allen’s suitcase on January 16 of this year.
Allen, 28, residing on Broad Meadow Lane in Birmingham, admitted to officers that he had agreed to smuggle drugs into the country out of desperation caused by his recent job loss.
The father-of-two had lost his job as a machine setter in late 2023 and was struggling to make ends meet on a meagre £300 per month from Universal Credit.
Appearing at the Old Bailey on Wednesday (March 13) for sentencing after pleading guilty to being concerned in the importation of cocaine, Allen’s barrister, David Forsyth, informed the court that his client was anxious to provide for his family, including two children with a third on the way.
Forsyth added that Allen, while in Jamaica, had initially hesitated but eventually succumbed to the pressure and went ahead with the act of smuggling the drugs into the UK.
Despite his cooperation, Allen refused to disclose the identity of the individual higher in the drug chain who had facilitated his travel and paid for his flight to Jamaica.
In passing the sentence, Judge Hillen emphasized the severe consequences of drug trafficking, stating, “It’s not too dramatic to say anyone who involves themselves in drug misuse, whether it’s a user in London or Birmingham, or those who are couriers, have blood on their hands… however remotely.”
Allen was sentenced to six years in custody, with a requirement to serve half of the term.
Commenting on the case, National Crime Agency (NCA) Branch Commander Chris Duplock emphasized the agency’s commitment to targeting drug smugglers and disrupting criminal networks. He highlighted the vital role played by law enforcement agencies like Border Force in intercepting illegal drugs entering the UK.
This case underscores the desperate measures individuals may resort to in times of financial hardship and the severe legal repercussions they face for involvement in drug-related activities.
