Two men jailed after Police seize drugs bound for Boardmasters festival

Two men who were headed for Boardmasters in 2024 with a haul of drugs have been jailed.

Levi Bethune-Jones, 37, and Luke Belcher, 36, were arrested at the roadside after a search of their van uncovered a hidden haul of MDMA tablets, ketamine, cannabis resin, herbal cannabis, magic mushrooms, and two boxes of nitrous oxide canisters.

Officers also located and seized £1680 in cash. Financial Investigators were later able to secure a confiscation order for the money under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Bethune-Jones, of Sandford Road, Birmingham, 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 jailed for three years and eight months.

Belcher, of Willows Road, Birmingham, pleaded guilty to five counts of possession with intent to supply drugs. He was jailed for three years.

A third man was charged but was found not guilty of the offences.

Both men appeared at Truro Crown Court on 26 June where they were sentenced by HHJ Judge Hadden.

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.”

Rob Spring, Festival Director, Boardmasters says: “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.”

The festival says drug detection dogs are in operation at all main gates and searches are a condition of entry. Anyone found with illegal substances or banned items could be refused entry or removed from the festival and police action may be taken.