A father of nine alleged that he was set up when police discovered over 1.5 kilograms of cocaine in his possession. Luke Campbell, a former member of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards who served in Afghanistan, received £250 to transport a package from Swansea to Saundersfoot. The package was intercepted at Pont Abraham motorway services.

Dyfed-Powys Police received information about a Mercedes Sprinter van traveling on the M4 from Swansea. Upon stopping the vehicle, officers found blocks of white powder in a Lidl shopping bag hidden under the front passenger seat. Campbell, the driver, was arrested, and his iPhone was confiscated.

During transit to a police station, Campbell claimed he was framed. Digital scales with traces of white powder were found at his residence. Analysis of the bag’s contents revealed cocaine with different levels of purity, amounting to an estimated wholesale value of £33,000 and a potential street value of up to £187,700.

Campbell admitted to agreeing to courier the package for an acquaintance from work and acknowledged knowing it contained drugs. He confessed to using the scales found in his house to divide drugs with his girlfriend for music festivals.

Having pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to supply, Campbell, residing in Swansea, was sentenced to 32 months in prison. His defense lawyer cited his military service’s impact on his mental health and financial struggles as contributing factors to his actions.

The judge noted Campbell’s compliance with instructions and the trust placed in him, leading to his custodial sentence.