Latest news with #Viana-Blausius
Scottish Sun
14-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Brazilian drug smuggler, 25, snared with £625k of cocaine at Scots airport claimed he was going sightseeing
The trafficker had also travelled to Switzerland from his home in Sao Paolo AIRPORT BUST Brazilian drug smuggler, 25, snared with £625k of cocaine at Scots airport claimed he was going sightseeing Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A BRAZILIAN drugs smuggler who told immigration officials that he crossed the Atlantic to learn English and see Edinburgh has been jailed for five years. Emanuel Viana-Blausius, 25, told Edinburgh Airport staff that he was going to spend time doing tourist activities in the Scottish capital. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Viana-Blausius was jailed at the High Court in Edinburgh He also told staff he would then travel to London to do a language course. But the High Court in Edinburgh heard he was trying to bring coke into the UK with a street value of £625,000. UK Border Agency staff were suspicious about his claims and pulled him aside. He had travelled from his home city of Sao Paolo to Zurich in Switzerland before catching a connecting flight to Scotland. Prosecutor Ruaraidh Ferguson told judge Lord Lake that Viana-Blausius, of Sao Paolo, was accompanied to baggage reclaim. Officials confiscated the man's suitcase and opened it. Mr Ferguson said: 'The suitcase contained a false bottom. The false bottom was kept in place by Velcro and it was covered in clothes. 'Upon removing the bottom, UK Border Agency staff found packages containing compressed white powder. 'This was found to be cocaine.' The story emerged after Viana-Blausius pleaded guilty last month to being concerned in the supply of cocaine at Edinburgh Airport on December 24 2024. Brit teen facing life in prison after being 'caught with 14kg of cannabis' in her luggage after huge airport arrest Mr Ferguson told the court that the accused had no previous convictions for either 'the United Kingdom or Brazil.' Lord Lake deferred sentence on Viana-Blausius to obtain a report about his background. On Wednesday, the case called for sentencing. Defence advocate Lorenzo Alonsi told Lord Lake that his client grew up in poverty and needed to make money for his family. He said that he worked as a barber and he spoke to somebody about his financial position. The court heard that this person offered Viana-Blausius a job smuggling the drugs into the UK. Mr Alonsi added: 'Since being taken into custody in the United Kingdom, he has not had any contact with any of his family back in Brazil. 'He believes his fiancee has given up on him. ' Passing sentence, Lord Lake said: 'I am satisfied in the circumstances that only a custodial sentence would be appropriate.'
Edinburgh Live
14-05-2025
- Edinburgh Live
Passenger 'wanted to see Edinburgh' but airport staff found 'hidden layer' in suitcase
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Get the latest Edinburgh Live breaking news on WhatsApp A Brazilian drugs smuggler who told immigration officials he crossed the Atlantic to learn English and see Edinburgh has been jailed for five years. Emanuel Viana-Blausius, 25, told Edinburgh Airport he was going to spend time doing tourist activities in the Scottish capital. He also told staff he would then travel to London to language course. But the High Court in Edinburgh heard he was trying to bring coke into the UK with a street value of £625,000. UK Border Agency staff were suspicious about his claims and pulled him aside. He had travelled from his home city of Sao Paolo to Zurich in Switzerland before catching a connecting flight to Scotland. Prosecutor Ruaraidh Ferguson told judge Lord Lake Viana-Blausius, of Sao Paolo, was accompanied to baggage reclaim. Officials confiscated the man's suitcase and opened it. Mr Ferguson said: 'The suitcase contained a false bottom. The false bottom was kept in place by Velcro and it was covered in clothes. 'Upon removing the bottom, UK Border Agency staff found packages containing compressed white powder. 'This was found to be cocaine.' The story emerged after Viana-Blausius pleaded guilty last month to being concerned in the supply of cocaine at Edinburgh Airport on December 24 2024. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages Mr Ferguson told the court that the accused had no previous convictions for either 'the United Kingdom or Brazil.' Lord Lake deferred sentence on Viana-Blausius to obtain a report about his background. On Wednesday, the case called for sentencing. Defence advocate Lorenzo Alonsi told Lord Lake that his client grew up in poverty and needed to make money for his family. He said that he worked as a barber and he spoke to somebody about his financial position. The court heard that this person offered Viana-Blausius a job smuggling the drugs into the UK. Mr Alonsi added: 'Since being taken into custody in the United Kingdom, he has not had any contact with any of his family back in Brazil. 'He believes his fiancee has given up on him. ' Passing sentence, Lord Lake said: 'I am satisfied in the circumstances that only a custodial sentence would be appropriate.'
