Runcorn man jailed after trying to smuggle drugs into music festival

A local man who tried to smuggle illegal drugs into Creamfields music festival in Daresbury has been jailed.

Reece Robertson appeared at Chester Crown Court on Friday 30th January, where he was sentenced to 20 weeks in prison.

The 19-year-old, of no fixed abode, Runcorn, had earlier pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply class B drugs – Ketamine.

The court heard that at 6.45pm on Sunday 25 August 2024, Robertson was attempting to enter the Northgate entrance to Creamfields music festival when a drugs dog indicated that he was in possession of illegal drugs.

The teenager was taken to a private area where he was searched by officers who discovered a bag of drugs hidden in his buttocks.

The drugs were later confirmed to be eight bags of ketamine with a value of up to £320.

Robertson claimed that the drugs were for personal use, however analysis of his mobile phone revealed he was planning to sell them at the festival.

Police Constable Lisa Green said:

“Every year before the festival we work really hard to ensure that attendees are fully aware of the consequences they could face if they bring illegal drugs onto the site.

“Sadly, Robertson chose to ignore these warnings, and despite being given ample opportunities to get rid of the drugs in surrender bins before going through the search process, he thought that he was smarter.

“His determination to get ketamine into the festival has landed him with a 20 week prison sentence, where he can take the time to contemplate his actions and ask himself if it was worth it.

“Some people underestimate ketamine because it is ‘only’ classified as a class B drug, but it can have devastating consequences.

“Regular use of the drug can cause severe bladder and bowel damage, and the long‑term health complications place significant additional pressure on the NHS.“