On January 2, 2023, Temitope Sona, a 20-year-old from London, arrived at Manchester Airport on a flight from Phuket, Thailand, attempting to smuggle 30 kilos of cannabis into the UK.

Customs officers became suspicious of his two large black suitcases. When questioned, Sona was 'evasive' and denied packing the bags himself or bringing anything illegal into the country.

Following an x-ray examination of the suitcases, officers discovered several vacuum-wrapped packages containing a green herbal substance, later confirmed to be cannabis, weighing a total of 30.55 kilograms.

During his arrest and subsequent interview, Sona claimed he had been coerced by an unknown man in Thailand who had threatened him and a friend to carry the drugs back to the UK. However, evidence presented in court indicated that his so-called 'friend' did not travel on the same flight and received no suitcases.

At Manchester Crown Court, prosecutor Keira Shaw outlined the case, highlighting Sona's lack of prior convictions. Judge John Potter acknowledged the gravity of Sona's actions but also recognized his young age and potential.

In sentencing, Judge Potter described Sona's actions as an 'act of folly' and expressed disappointment at the risks he had taken, stating, "You have placed your liberty at risk and the good name of you and your family."

Sona received a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 30 days of rehabilitation activity and perform 250 hours of unpaid work.