Pensioner Caught with £420,000 of Cocaine Hidden in Secret Van Compartment
A former youth worker was found with 12kg of cocaine, valued at around £420,000, concealed in a secret compartment in the back of his van. Bernard Jones, aged 67, was apprehended while transporting the drugs from Merseyside to south Wales for an organised crime group. Swansea Crown Court heard that Jones, who had dedicated his career to youth justice and work, was acting as a courier for Class A drugs, a stark contrast to his previous roles.
During sentencing, the judge remarked that drug gangs do not entrust large quantities of cocaine to just anyone, casting doubt on Jones’ claims of naivety in his involvement. Despite Jones pleading guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to supply, asserting that he thought he was carrying only one kilo and would be paid £300 for the trip, the judge deemed his explanations unconvincing.
Prosecutor Francesca Parry detailed how police intercepted Jones on the main A4067 Swansea Valley road, discovering the illicit cargo hidden beneath the van’s cargo area. Jones remained silent during police questioning and later admitted his guilt via video link for sentencing. His defence lawyer, James McKenna, highlighted Jones’ deteriorating health and expressed regret on behalf of his client, acknowledging the loss of his previously untarnished character.
Judge Paul Thomas KC handed Jones a sentence of four years and four months in prison, factoring in a one-third reduction for his guilty plea. Jones will serve at least half of the term in custody before completing the remainder under community supervision. Additionally, the court ordered the confiscation of the Peugeot van used in the drug transportation, provided to Jones by unnamed associates for the journey.
The case of Bernard Jones serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences of involvement in drug trafficking, especially for individuals who have spent their lives working in roles aimed at supporting and safeguarding others. The judge’s decision to impose a significant prison sentence underscores the seriousness of the offence and the need to deter others from engaging in similar criminal activities.