A 20-year-old Scotsman, Blake Holmes, was sentenced to 32 months in prison after attempting to smuggle illegal drugs into the Creamfields music festival in Cheshire.
Holmes, from Dalkeith, near Edinburgh, appeared before Chester Crown Court on Tuesday, after admitting to two counts of possession with intent to supply MDMA, cocaine, and ketamine, as well as possession of a knife in a public place.
The incident occurred on August 25, 2023, when Holmes attempted to enter the VIP entrance of Creamfields. While in the queue, he approached police officers and declared that he had something to declare. Upon questioning, Holmes revealed that he had been paid £500 to carry a black rucksack containing 50 tablets, along with some cocaine and ketamine into the festival.
Upon searching Holmes, officers found a folding lock knife and a pack of Irn-Bru cans, which appeared to be sealed. However, upon closer inspection, officers noticed one of the cans felt unusual and had a false base. When opened, the can was found to contain 62.4 grams of MDMA, 10.1 grams of cocaine, and 3.6 grams of ketamine, with an estimated street value of £1,990.
Holmes was arrested and, although he initially admitted to transporting the drugs, he refused to answer further questions during his custody.
Judge Simon Berkson sentenced Holmes to 32 months in prison, to be served immediately.
Following the sentencing, PC Neil Fleming of Cheshire Police commented: “While Holmes admitted his wrongdoing, what he did was illegal, and we welcome the sentence handed to him. We work hard with event organisers and security to prevent drugs from entering Creamfields, and we will continue to take action against those attempting to smuggle drugs into the festival.”
PC Fleming also warned festivalgoers: “Do not make this mistake—those smuggling drugs into the event will face legal consequences.”
