Two men jailed for attempting to smuggle drug stash at Creamfields

Marshall Maddock and Harry Hewitson appeared at Chester Crown Court on Friday (October 4) for sentencing having been found guilty of the possession with intent to supply class B drugs, namely ketamine.

Maddock was also facing an additional count of possession of class A drugs, that being cocaine. 

During the hearing, the court was told that the pair had attended the Creamfields Festival together on Friday, August 25, 2023.

However, as they were about to enter the North gate, a drugs dog indicated that they may be in possession of illegal drugs. Both men were subsequently taken to a nearby area to be searched by officers.

Maddock, 21, of Castlemilk Court, Winsford, handed over a small quantity of drugs, but then refused to be searched any further.

Due to his refusal, an intimate search was conducted, where officers discovered a kinder egg capsule containing 10 bags of ketamine which was hidden in his anus.

Hewitson, 22, of Lime Road, Northwich, also refused to be searched and was adamant that he didn’t have any drugs. However, when searched by officers, he was also found to have a kinder egg capsule containing 10 bags of ketamine hidden in his anus.

The pair were sentenced to a total of 18 months in prison for the offences.

Following the sentencing, PC Lisa Green said: “Maddock and Hewitson were well aware of the law, and they have had multiple opportunities to re-think what they were doing. Amnesty bins were in place at entrance points of the site for prohibited items, but despite this, they continued in their efforts to smuggle in harmful and illegal drugs.

“The festival is a huge operation and Cheshire Police work with event organisers and security staff in a bid to prevent illegal drugs getting into the site.

“Be under no illusion, while a large majority of Creamfields festivalgoers are respectful, those smuggling drugs into the event will be charged and dealt with by the courts. Do not make this mistake.”