Two Men Jailed for Drug Offences on Way to Boardmasters 2024

Two men who were attempting to smuggle a large haul of drugs into Cornwall for Boardmasters Festival 2024 have been jailed.

Levi Bethune-Jones, 37, and Luke Belcher, 36, were stopped on the A30 near Bodmin as they travelled from Birmingham to Newquay.

Drugs Seized After Van Search

Officers pulled over their van ahead of the festival and discovered a hidden stash of illegal drugs inside. A roadside search uncovered:

• 411 2CB tablets

• 225 MDMA tablets

• 174 grams of ketamine

• 70 grams of cannabis resin

• 31 grams of herbal cannabis

• 137 grams of magic mushrooms

• Two boxes of nitrous oxide cannisters

In addition to the drugs, officers also found £1,680 in cash. The money was later confiscated under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Sentenced at Truro Crown Court

Bethune-Jones, of Sandford Road in Birmingham, denied the offences but was found guilty of five counts of possession with intent to supply drugs following a trial at Truro Crown Court in April 2025. He was sentenced to three years and eight months in prison.

Belcher, of Willows Road in Birmingham, admitted five counts of possession with intent to supply drugs. He was sentenced to three years.

A third man was also charged but was found not guilty.

Both men appeared for sentencing on 26th June 2025, where HHJ Judge Hadden handed down the prison terms.

Police and Festival Response

Detective Inspector Claire Nicholls said:

“We are pleased that not only were these drugs located and seized but also that the two men who had intent to sell them have been dealt with by the courts.

“We hope this acts as a deterrent to anyone thinking of taking advantage of the young demographic of Cornwall’s largest festival – we will not tolerate drug crime and we will take robust action.

“We will always endeavour to keep our communities safe and protected from a variety of crime including drug trafficking and encourage anyone with information which may help us, to report it.”

Boardmasters Festival Director Rob Spring added:

“Boardmasters operates a zero-tolerance policy on illegal drugs and substances in line with UK law. We are extremely grateful to Devon & Cornwall Police for working alongside us to help prevent such activity at the festival.

“Their continued partnership plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of our customers, staff, artists, and the wider community. We fully support the efforts of law enforcement to keep illegal substances out of the event and off our roads, and we work closely with all local authorities throughout planning and delivery to provide a secure environment before, during, and after the show.”

Boardmasters continues to operate a strict zero-tolerance policy. Drug detection dogs are stationed at all main gates, and searches are a condition of entry. Festivalgoers found with illegal substances or banned items could be refused entry, removed from the event, and may face police action.

Anyone with information about drug-related activity can report it via non-emergency police channels or contact Crimestoppers anonymously.