Dumfries man jailed after trying to smuggle five bags of cocaine onto Jersey

A Dumfries man has been jailed after he tried to smuggle five bags of cocaine onto a Channel Island last October.

Findlay John Mackay boarded a flight to Jersey from Glasgow with his girlfriend on October 2, 2025.

Jersey Customs and Immigration Officers stopped and questioned the couple upon arrival. Swabs taken from the 27-year-old’s belongings tested positive for cocaine.

Five bags of cocaine were smuggled into the island. Jersey Customs and Immigration Service

Mackay admitted to using both the class-A substance and cannabis. He produced five bags of cocaine which weighed a total of 68.71 grams and valued at £17,500.

The Dumfries man told detectives that he was forced to smuggle to substance into the island by an unnamed man from Manchester to clear a £10,000 debt.

The 27-year-old claimed that his family would be threatened if he refused to carry out the importation.

Jersey’s Royal Court jailed Mackay for four years and four months.

Paul Le Monnier, Senior Manager at Jersey Customs and Immigration Service, said: “All too often we hear that individuals are pressured and threatened to carry out drug importations to settle their debts. However, this does not remove personal accountability.

“Drug importations harm our community and those participating regardless of their reason should expect severe sentences. The vigilance of our JCIS Officers stopped these drugs from reaching our streets.”