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Kesgrave man jailed for 30 months for cocaine supply

News

A 58-year-old man from Kesgrave has been sentenced to 30 months in prison after pleading guilty to drug offences. David Lawrence was arrested following a police raid on his home last November.

The big picture: Suffolk Police's ongoing efforts to tackle drug crime in the town have resulted in another conviction, with Kesgrave resident David Lawrence jailed for supplying cocaine.

David Lawrence
David Lawrence was jailed for the supply of cocaineSuffolk Police

Key details:

  • David Lawrence, 58, of Gowers Close, Kesgrave, was sentenced at Ipswich Crown Court on 14 August

  • He pleaded guilty to supplying cocaine, possessing criminal property, and possessing cannabis

  • Lawrence received 30 months for cocaine supply, 6 months concurrent for criminal property, and a £50 fine for cannabis possession

Bag of cocaine
Nearly 45 grams of cocaine were seized by policeSuffolk Police
Bag of money
Police found £1,000 of cashSuffolk Police

How it happened: Police executed a warrant at Lawrence's address on 3 November 2023, seizing:

  • Nearly 45 grams of cocaine

  • £1,000 in cash

  • A small quantity of cannabis

Why it matters: It's one less link in the Ipswich drug supply chain and evidence that, despite the frustrations of many on the prevalance of drugs in our town, that there are consequences for those who seek to profit from it.

Between the lines: The case was handled by one of Suffolk's Operation Sentinel teams, which focus on:

  • Enhancing coverage of Suffolk's road network

  • Disrupting serious and organised crime

  • Increasing police visibility

What's next: Police are urging the public to report suspected drug dealing or concerns about vulnerable people being targeted by organised crime groups.

How to report:

Former Ipswich Town striker charged in £600k cannabis smuggling case

News

Former Ipswich Town striker Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has been charged with attempting to smuggle £600,000 worth of cannabis through a UK airport.

The big picture: The 33-year-old, who spent two seasons at Portman Road from 2011 to 2013, was arrested by National Crime Agency officers in Scotland following the seizure of approximately 60kg of the drug at Stansted airport.

Jay Emmanuel Thomas playing for Ipswich Town
Jay Emmanuel-Thomas playing for TownAlamy

Key details:

  • Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, 33, was arrested Wednesday in Gourock, Inverclyde.

  • He's accused of attempting to smuggle £600,000 worth of cannabis through Stansted airport.

  • Border Force officers found approximately 60kg of the drug in two suitcases from Bangkok.

  • Emmanuel-Thomas is set to appear at Carlisle magistrates court Thursday, charged with importing class B drugs.

60kg of cannabis
60kg of cannabis was seizedNCA

JET's Ipswich career: The journeyman joined Ipswich in 2011 for £1.1m from Arsenal, scoring nine goals in 75 appearances for the Tractor Boys. He left Ipswich in 2013 in a swap deal with Bristol City. He most recently played with Greenock Morton in the Scottish Championship.

The bottom line: The NCA warns that cannabis smuggling into the UK carries a maximum 14-year prison sentence, contradicting misinformation some couriers receive about facing only fines.

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