Pair Jailed After MDMA Postal Plot

Thursday, 3 February 2022 15:36

Graham Benson-Dias (L) & Callum Hunt (R) were jailed for a combined 12.5 years.

Two men have been jailed for a combined 12.5 years for a plot to smuggle more than 1,000 MDMA tablets into Jersey by post.

33-year-old Graham Benson-Dias from York received a sentence of six and a half years.

Callum Hunt, who is 28 and from Luton, was jailed for six years.

A package containing the drugs was seized by Customs officers in October 2018.

The tablets were removed and the package was returned to the postal system so a covert operation could begin.

The operation showed Benson-Dias, who was employed by Jersey Post, deliver the package to Hunt - even though it wasn't addressed to him.

The pair were subsequently arrested.

22 bars of cannabis resin were then found in Hunt's home, with 28 grams of MDMA discovered in Benson-Dias'.

They were bailed and left the island - with arrest warrants issued to bring them back and place them in custody.

Both were arrested in separate areas of the UK.

"This sentencing concludes a lengthy investigation, during which JCIS have worked closely with law enforcement colleagues overseas to ensure that both were returned to the island to face charges.

The importation of commercial quantities of controlled drugs through the postal system remains a focus for us, and we continue to work closely with Jersey Post to combat this." - Rhiannon Small, Jersey Customs and Immigration Service Senior Manager.

Jersey Post says while it cannot comment on individual cases or prosecutions, it works closely with Customs and the Police to identify illegal or criminal activity and make Jersey a safer place.

More from Jersey News

Jury finds Shay John Bester guilty of offences including rape

Shay John Bester has been found guilty, after going on trial for offences including six counts of rape against three young, vulnerable females.
African community groups express 'disappointment' with Deputy Ozouf sentencing

Friends of Africa Jersey and the Kenyans in Jersey Committee have come together to express their disappointment following Deputy Philip Ozouf's sentencing, and are calling for increased protection for workers who speak out about exploitation.
Island Energy to return to Royal Court over Mont Pinel gas explosion

Island Energy is set to return to the Royal Court to enter pleas after being charged by the Health and Safety Inspectorate over a gas explosion at Mont Pinel.
Jersey to introduce legal limit for PFAS in drinking water

A legal limit for PFAS in Jersey's drinking water will be introduced for the first time.
Jersey Electricity drops St Martin solar farm idea

Jersey Electricity has dropped plans for a solar farm on land in St Martin belonging to the King.
PPC won't move to block Deputy's return to States Assembly

The committee that oversees States Members' conduct says it won't being a proposition to further suspend Deputy Philip Ozouf following his conviction for immigration offences.
Jersey's next government urged to create laws preventing exploitation of workers

Charities in Jersey are urging politicians to prioritise drawing up laws to abolish modern-day slavery.
Philip Ozouf sentenced to 120 hours community service

Deputy Philip Ozouf has been sentenced to 120 hours community service and ordered to pay £5,000 for immigration offences.