Man’s Search for Ketamine Bag on Train Unveils International Drug Conspiracy
A man’s attempt to retrieve a misplaced bag of ketamine on a train journey led to a significant discovery by the police, unravelling an international drug conspiracy. Jordan McCourt-Knight, aged 30, inadvertently left a Sainsbury’s carrier bag containing 970g of ketamine on a train travelling between Bristol and Cardiff. Upon realizing his mistake, he alerted train staff, setting off a chain of events that exposed a larger drug operation involving cocaine, cannabis and MDMA, as revealed during a sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court.
The intercepted bag of ketamine prompted the seizure of phones belonging to McCourt-Knight, which in turn revealed extensive drug trafficking activities, including significant amounts of cocaine, cannabis, and MDMA. Subsequent investigations and arrests on July 12, 2020, revealed the involvement of individuals such as Harley Hall, aged 28, and Cassius Davis-Thompson, also 28, in the criminal enterprise. Messages exchanged on various phones indicated a well-coordinated operation for dealing and trafficking various drugs.
The court heard details of multiple drug conspiracies involving McCourt-Knight and Hall, including the sourcing of ketamine from contacts in locations such as Aylesbury and Portugal, as well as the importation of cannabis from Portugal. The dealings extended to the supply of MDMA tablets sourced from the Netherlands. McCourt-Knight’s involvement in leaving the ketamine on a train and subsequent attempts to expand the drug operation were highlighted during the proceedings.
McCourt-Knight, residing in Leintwardine, Powys, admitted to four counts of conspiracy to supply ketamine, cocaine, cannabis, and MDMA. His co-conspirator Hall, from Knowbury, Shropshire, pleaded guilty to multiple drug supply charges and possession with intent to supply cannabis. Meanwhile, Davis-Thompson, based in Bath, admitted to possession with intent to supply 2C-B. The court considered their criminal activities and the individuals’ backgrounds during sentencing.
In mitigation, McCourt-Knight’s lawyer highlighted his client’s personal struggles, including periods of homelessness, while emphasising his efforts to reintegrate into society. Hall’s legal representative mentioned his client’s past drug addiction and subsequent recovery, painting a picture of a changed individual. Davis-Thompson’s lawyer pointed out his client’s positive developments, such as obtaining employment and starting a family, in arguing for a suspended sentence.
Ultimately, Judge Lucy Crowther handed down sentences reflecting the severity of the crimes committed. McCourt-Knight received a sentence of six years and three months, while Hall was sentenced to five years and 10 months in prison. Davis-Thompson, on the other hand, received a 12-month suspended sentence along with rehabilitation and community service requirements. The case highlighted the intricate nature of drug conspiracies and the legal consequences individuals face upon involvement in such criminal activities.