21 August 2025
Paul Antony Leeming, aged 38, and Paul Arnett, aged 60,
both from Stockton-on-Tees, have today been sentenced by the Royal Court to five
years’ imprisonment each for the importation of 62.63 grams of cocaine.
Leeming and Arnett arrived in the Island together on Friday 2 May 2025 on a flight from
Liverpool. They were stopped and questioned by Jersey Customs and Immigration Officers and
stated they were visiting the Island to collect some of Arnett's personal effects that he had left
in the Island from when he had previously worked here. During a search of their baggage
various items tested positive for traces of cocaine. Officers became suspicious that the men were
carrying drugs internally and they were arrested on suspicion of importing controlled drugs.
Following positive CT scans of both men, Arnett produced two packages containing a total of
28.16 grams of cocaine and Leeming produced three packages containing a total of 34.47
grams of cocaine. The street value of the cocaine seized was £15,750.
During interview Leeming stated that he was a cocaine user and initially claimed that the
cocaine he imported was for personal use but later added that he would be sharing it with
friends on island. Arnett admitted to being a heavy cocaine user and also claimed that the
cocaine was for personal use.
Paul Le Monnier, Senior Manager at Jersey Customs and Immigration Service, said: “This was
clearly a commercial importation of cocaine carried out by the two men for financial gain. The
importation of cocaine carries significant penalties, and the sentences handed out today
demonstrate the seriousness of the offence and the stance the Island takes against drug
trafficking.”
Anyone with information on drug smuggling can report it anonymously via 0800 735 5555.
gov.je