29-05-2025
Man, 53, jailed for trying to smuggle three kilograms of cocaine into Jersey under a car seat
A Bromley man has been sentenced to 11 years in prison by Jersey's Royal Court after attempting to import £750,000 worth of cocaine into the island.
David Paul Rhodes, 53, hid three kilograms of the Class A drug in six vacuum-sealed packages in his friend's car and caught a ferry from Portsmouth to Jersey in February 2025.
Rhodes' long-term friend had allowed him to borrow the vehicle for his trip.
When Rhodes was stopped and questioned by customs officers, he said he was visiting Jersey for a few days and had planned to come with his girlfriend, but she chose not to travel after they had argued on Valentine's Day.
However, with the help of a drug detector dog, the packages were discovered under a rear seat in the car.
Rhodes initially denied knowing what the packages were and declined to comment, but later pleaded guilty to the offence.
Paul Le Monnier, Senior Manager at Jersey Customs and Immigration Service, says: "This was a significant seizure of cocaine destined for our streets and undoubtedly the seizure of this quantity of drugs has hurt the pockets of those concerned in organising the importation."
Anyone with information about drug smuggling in Jersey can report information anonymously on 0800 735 5555.
