Man Jailed for Smuggling Cocaine into Jersey Island

Findlay Mackay from Scotland sentenced to over 4 years in prison for importing £17,500 worth of cocaine

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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Findlay Mackay, a 27-year-old man from Dumfries, Scotland, has been sentenced to 4 years and 4 months in prison for attempting to smuggle £17,500 worth of cocaine into the island of Jersey. Mackay was arrested at the Jersey airport after arriving on a flight from Glasgow with his girlfriend, and customs officers found 68.71g of cocaine on him. Mackay claimed he was instructed to import the drugs to pay off a £10,000 drug debt and was threatened that his mother's home would be burned down if he refused.

Why it matters

Drug smuggling and importation is a serious crime that can have significant impacts on local communities. This case highlights the lengths some individuals will go to in order to pay off drug debts, even if it means risking severe prison sentences. It also underscores the ongoing efforts by Jersey's customs and immigration authorities to crack down on the flow of illegal drugs into the island.

The details

Mackay was arrested at the Jersey airport on October 2nd after arriving on a flight from Glasgow with his girlfriend. Customs officers conducted a search and found five packages containing a total of 68.71g (2.4oz) of cocaine, worth an estimated £17,500. During questioning, Mackay admitted the cocaine was his and that he had been instructed to import it to Jersey by an unnamed man from Manchester in order to pay off a £10,000 drug debt. Mackay claimed he was threatened that his mother's home would be burned down if he refused to complete the task.

  • Mackay was arrested at the Jersey airport on October 2nd, 2026.
  • Mackay was sentenced to 4 years and 4 months in prison on February 20th, 2026.

The players

Findlay Mackay

A 27-year-old man from Dumfries, Scotland who was arrested and sentenced for attempting to smuggle £17,500 worth of cocaine into Jersey.

Jersey Customs and Immigration Service

The government agency responsible for enforcing customs and immigration laws in Jersey, who arrested Mackay and investigated the drug smuggling case.

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What they’re saying

“Drug importations harm our community and those participating regardless of their reason should expect severe sentences.”

— Paul Le Monnier, Senior Manager, Jersey Customs and Immigration Service (BBC Jersey)

What’s next

The judge in the case has already handed down Mackay's 4 year and 4 month prison sentence, so there are no further legal proceedings expected at this time.

The takeaway

This case demonstrates the harsh penalties that can be imposed for drug smuggling, even when the individual claims they were coerced due to drug debts. It serves as a warning to others who may consider engaging in similar criminal activities that they will face severe consequences if caught.