A man who is a father of nine claimed he was set up when police caught him with over 1.5 kilograms of cocaine. The incident occurred after he accepted a job to deliver a package, as revealed in court.
Luke Campbell, a former member of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards who had served in Afghanistan, was paid £250 to transport the parcel from Swansea to Saundersfoot in Pembrokeshire. The 34-year-old, employed as a delivery driver for DPD, had met the recipient through work, but the package was intercepted at Pont Abraham motorway services.
According to reports, Dyfed-Powys Police acted on intelligence regarding a Mercedes Sprinter van traveling westward along the M4 from Swansea. The van was stopped, and a search uncovered a Lidl shopping bag with white powder blocks hidden beneath the front passenger seat.
The court heard that the bag was strategically placed in a compartment, and Campbell, the driver of the van, was arrested. His iPhone was confiscated, but he refused to disclose the pin. During transportation to a police station, Campbell reportedly stated that he was framed.
An examination of the bag’s contents revealed significant amounts of cocaine, including a package labeled “Elite” with high purity levels. The estimated wholesale value of the drugs was around £33,000, with a potential street value of up to £187,700.
In his police interview, Campbell admitted to acting as a courier for an acquaintance from his workplace. He acknowledged knowledge of the bag’s contents and the purpose of the delivery. Additionally, he disclosed the use of digital scales found in his residence for dividing drugs purchased during music festivals.
Campbell, residing in Swansea, had previously pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine with intent to distribute. Despite having no prior convictions, he had received police cautions for assault-related offenses.
His defense attorney highlighted Campbell’s military service and subsequent mental health challenges, attributing his involvement in the drug trade to financial struggles and poor associations. The judge recognized Campbell as a mere pawn in the operation, sentencing him to 32 months in prison.