Overview

• Louisa De Marco received a 20-month prison sentence on July 4 after pleading guilty to importing more than 31kg of cannabis into the UK.
• Border Force intercepted two suitcases at Manchester Airport on May 8 that contained 31.25kg of cannabis disguised as tobacco following her flight from Thailand via Abu Dhabi.
• Evidence presented at Manchester Crown Court showed handlers financed her flights and allegedly threatened to cancel her return trip to ensure compliance.
• Recorder Sarah Griffin emphasised De Marco’s ‘eyes wide open’ awareness of the scheme and ruled she must serve ten months behind bars before being eligible for release.
• Ongoing investigations are targeting the overseas operators behind the plot and have prompted stronger Foreign Office travel advisories and heightened port checks.