A Scottish social media influencer who attempted to smuggle £150,000 worth of cannabis through Edinburgh Airport has been sentenced to 16 months in prison. Ellie Crampsie, 23, was discovered with over 17 kilograms of the Class B drug concealed in her suitcase upon returning from a holiday in Thailand in April last year.
Court Proceedings
Crampsie, from Broomhouse, Glasgow, pleaded guilty to being involved in the supply of a controlled drug at Edinburgh Sheriff Court last month. She returned for sentencing, where her solicitor Michael Poggi argued that she played a minor role and was under pressure from a former partner.
Mr Poggi stated: “The fact is that other parties did not travel through the airport at the same time and did not make contact after. There was an element of influence from a much older person who had a controlling position over my client.”
Sheriff’s Remarks
Sheriff Graeme Watson acknowledged Crampsie’s lesser culpability but emphasized the seriousness of the offense. He noted: “You were stopped by border control officers with a suitcase containing over 17 kilograms of cannabis in vacuum-sealed packages with a street value of up to £151,000. I accept there was a power imbalance in the relationship, but your conduct was reckless, and you were naive and potentially taken advantage of.”
The sheriff concluded that a custodial sentence was unavoidable and imposed a 16-month jail term.
Background
Crampsie, a well-known figure in Glasgow’s nightlife and events scene, promotes various brands on social media and runs her own beauty business, Brows by Ellie, specializing in styling and treatments. On April 16 last year, she flew from Thailand to Edinburgh via Paris on an Air France flight. Border Force officers stopped her and discovered 17 vacuum-sealed packages containing 17.7 kg of cannabis, valued between £115,000 and £151,000.
Fiscal depute Emma Laing detailed: “She was asked the usual questions by the officer and confirmed she had traveled from Thailand. Her luggage was opened, and a number of vacuum packages were within.”
Crampsie admitted to being concerned in the supply of cannabis to others at Edinburgh Airport on that date.
