Strangers found with suitcases of drugs after getting off same plane

TWO drug couriers, each carrying substantial amounts of cannabis, were apprehended with over 60kg of cannabis on the same flight - and didn’t know each other.

- JORDAN COUSSINS News Reporter

Leon Coley, 30, and Gemma Edgar, 35 - both hailing from Birmingham but not connected in any way - were returning from Thailand via Dubai when they were intercepted just 10 minutes apart.

On 25 September this year, Manchester Airport Border Force officers questioned them. Coley was travelling with two medium-sized suitcases.

A search revealed 32.9kg of cannabis. He informed officers that hotel staff had packed his bags for him, insisting he was oblivious to their contents.

Upon examining his phone, officers discovered a message reading ‘Get out quick’ - received just moments before his arrest.

Manchester Crown Court heard that Edgar was stopped with one large suitcase and a small bag, containing a total of 29.9kg of cannabis.

She told officers the drugs weren’t ‘hers’ and explained she had accumulated poker debts - around £35,000 - in Bangkok and felt threatened by those she owed money to.