TWO men who were headed for Boardmasters in 2024 with a haul of drugs have been jailed for a total of six years and eight months.

Levi Bethune-jones, 37, and Luke Belcher, 36 , from Birmingham, were travelling to the festival in Newquay when officers stopped their van on the A30 near Bodmin.

The duo were arrested at the roadside after a search of their van led officers to a hidden haul of 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 and two boxes of nitrous oxide cannisters.

Officers also located and seized £1,680 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 June 26 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, the festival director of Boardmasters said: “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 operate a zero-tolerance policy on illegal drugs and substances in line with UK law. To help keep everyone safe, 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.

People can report drug related activity to us through our non-emergency channels or, alternatively, you can contact the charity Crimestoppers anonymously.

For help and advice visit the force website County lines | Devon & Cornwall Police (devon-cornwall.police.uk).