A woman from Liverpool made a 140-mile trip to Wales with half a kilo of heroin stashed in her suitcase, a court heard. Leanne Reilly, 44, decided to transport the Class A drugs to Swansea for an organised crime group, bringing her innocent sister along for the journey. Police intercepted Reilly’s car on the A470 between Brecon and Merthyr, acting on intelligence, and discovered the drugs concealed in a suitcase in the boot.
During the sentencing at Swansea Crown Court, it was revealed that Reilly had been involved in running her family’s cafe in Liverpool for two decades until it closed abruptly due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Her barrister mentioned that she deeply regretted the decision to partake in drug trafficking as a means to make quick money. Despite Reilly pleading guilty to possession of heroin with intent to supply, it was highlighted that she had no prior criminal record.
The court heard that the heroin seized from Reilly’s vehicle was valued at up to £62,500 and was found to be 25% pure, mixed with paracetamol and caffeine. Reilly admitted to authorities that she was to receive £800 for delivering the package to an unknown recipient in Swansea. Her defence lawyer emphasised that the defendant’s actions were driven by financial desperation and a misguided attempt to solve her financial woes.
In passing the sentence, Judge Paul Thomas KC underscored the gravity of Reilly’s actions, noting that she willingly took a significant risk by transporting illegal substances across regions. The court recognised that Reilly had involved her sister in the drug-running scheme without her knowledge, potentially exposing her to legal repercussions as well.
Despite receiving a one-third discount for her guilty plea, Reilly was sentenced to 28 months in prison, with the possibility of serving half of the term in custody before being released on licence. The judge emphasised that drug trafficking carries severe consequences, not only for the perpetrators but also for those unknowingly involved or affected by their actions.
The case serves as a reminder of the harsh penalties associated with drug-related crimes and the detrimental impact they can have on individuals and their families. It also highlights the importance of staying vigilant and cooperating with law enforcement to combat drug trafficking activities that pose a threat to communities.