Two brothers have been sentenced to immediate imprisonment after being caught attempting to smuggle 73.45 kilograms of cannabis into Manchester Airport from Thailand.
The Arrest
On June 6, customs officers at Terminal 2 intercepted 33-year-old Josh Threadgill and his 36-year-old brother, Carl Threadgill. Upon searching their luggage, officers discovered a total of 64 black packages containing the illicit substance.
* Josh Threadgill was found with 36.55kg of cannabis. * Carl Threadgill was found with 36.9kg of cannabis.
The combined street value of the seizure is estimated at £220,000.
Sentencing and Context
During the hearing at Manchester Crown Court, the court heard that both men had been coerced or incentivised by financial pressures. Josh claimed he was offered £10,000 to transport the cases, while Carl stated he was attempting to pay off a drug debt.
Mr Recorder Ben Lawrence highlighted the significant rise in such cases, noting that since cannabis was legalised in Thailand in 2022, there has been an exponential increase in passengers attempting to import the drug into the UK. Last year alone, approximately 30 tons of cannabis were seized from passengers travelling from Thailand.
Despite pleas regarding their previous good character and the impact on their families, the judge ruled that only immediate custody would serve as an appropriate deterrent. Josh Threadgill was sentenced to 24 months, while Carl Threadgill received 26 months.
Source: Leigh Journal
