A Metropolitan Police call handler has denied smuggling cocaine disguised as porridge into the UK. Donna’ree Bennett, 33, from Hackney, pleaded not guilty at the Old Bailey on Wednesday to fraudulent evasion of a prohibition relating to the alleged importation of a Class A drug.
Bennett is accused of smuggling the drug in her luggage under the guise of a peanut porridge on April 19, 2024.
Additional Charges
She also pleaded not guilty to two charges of transferring and possessing criminal property alleged to represent the proceeds of crime, both of which took place between November 1, 2022 and January 31, 2024.
The defendant was charged following an investigation directed by the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
Case Timeline
Judge Anuja Dhir KC set a timetable for the case, with a trial scheduled from August 23 next year.
Bennett has been granted continued unconditional bail.
