Man jailed for trying to smuggle MDMA and cocaine into festival

A man has been jailed for three years after he tried to smuggle drugs into a music festival in Daresbury.

George Chapman, of Belsize Road, Harrow, appeared at Chester Crown Court on Thursday 13 June, where he was sentenced to three years for possession with intent to supply MDMA and cocaine.

At around 3.40pm on Thursday 25 August 2022, the 25-year-old had attempted to enter Creamfields music festival when he was stopped and searched by officers.

A quantity of pills and a snap bag of white powder was found during the search, and Chapman was swiftly arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply drugs.

While further enquiries and testing of the drugs was carried out, Chapman was released under investigation.

Testing of the drugs later confirmed them to be MDMA and cocaine.

Chapman was subsequently charged with possession with intent to supply Class A drugs in April 2023. He later pleaded guilty to the offences.

Following the sentencing, DC Neil Fleming said: “Chapman was under the illusion that he could travel to Cheshire, supplied with illegal drugs, and go about his weekend undetected.

“His plan was foiled by our officers, who stopped him before he even had chance to enter the festival.

“His ignorance has landed him with a three year prison sentence, where he can take the time to contemplate his actions and ask himself if it was worth it.

“Cheshire Police, along with event organisers and security staff, work extremely hard to ensure that Creamfields remains a safe and positive experience for all festivalgoers.

“We have seen the irrevocable damage illegal drugs can cause, particularly during the festival period, and those attempting to smuggle them into the event will be put before the courts and dealt with accordingly.”