Chloe Sandoval, a 22-year-old aspiring American artist, was sentenced to four years in prison after playing a significant role in a £8 million cocaine smuggling operation that was foiled at Manchester Airport.
Sandoval was part of a gang of seven members who were recruited by crime bosses and flown from the U.S. to Manchester. They were instructed to pick up 12 suitcases filled with cocaine hidden at the airport. The group, consisting of five women and two men, had each been promised significant payments for their part in the plot.
Things went awry when one of the suitcases arriving from Cancun, Mexico, triggered an alarm during an X-ray inspection. Authorities swiftly arrested three of the suspects at the airport, while four others were apprehended at a nearby hotel. Two members were found naked in bed when the police raided the room.
Sandoval, who had flown from Los Angeles to Manchester via Dusseldorf with two other gang members, Yulibeth Gonzalez and Leandra Royer, was caught when she tried to escape. She had messaged her criminal contacts to warn them of the police presence and confirmed that only one suitcase was seized. Despite the plan to acquire multiple bags, she managed to avoid further detection before being arrested.
In court, Sandoval’s lawyer stated that she had been struggling financially and was taken advantage of by more experienced criminals. Although remorseful, Sandoval’s involvement in the crime operation had a lasting impact on her life. Prosecutors highlighted her previous conviction for possession of cannabis in the U.S.
Judge Tom Gilbart acknowledged Sandoval’s vulnerability and her desire to earn money, but he emphasized that she was fully aware of the illegal nature of her actions. He sentenced her to four years in prison, noting that she would likely be deported after serving her time. Other members of the gang were also sentenced, with some facing up to 11 years in prison.
This case serves as a reminder of the dangers of being lured into criminal activity by promises of financial gain. Sandoval’s story highlights the vulnerability of individuals, even aspiring artists, who can fall victim to more sophisticated criminals.
