Jersey men involved in cocaine importation sentenced

Two Jersey men who were involved in an attempt to import cocaine into the island have been sentenced.

Two women based in the UK, Stephanie Dean and Jaye Henry, were stopped getting off the ferry from Portsmouth on 16 April 2025, with checks by Jersey Customs and Immigration Service officers confirming that Dean had internally concealed 84g of cocaine.

Evidence on her phone 'strongly suggested' that 28-year-old Trinity resident Ryan Palfrey was involved in importing the drug.

When he was arrested, a personal amount of cannabis was found at his home address. He was bailed while his mobile phone was examined.

Evidence on his phone showed his involvement, and also revealed that 31-year-old St Helier resident Harry Rondel was involved.

He was found with a personal amount of cocaine when he was arrested at his home address.

When interviewed, Palfrey told officers that he knew the two women were coming to Jersey, but denied having any knowledge of them carrying drugs.

Meanwhile Rondel said he was aware of the drug importation, but claimed he wasn't involved in organising it, even though he made a payment to Dean the day before the importation.

Both were released on bail, but Palfrey escaped to the UK and tried to apply for a passport, but that was refused.

JCIS officials then worked with West Mercia Police to find him, arrest him, and escort him back to Jersey.

Palfrey and Rondel were charged the next day with importing the cocaine, which they denied.

However, they changed their pleas to guilty in May.

Palfrey has been jailed for five years for the drugs-related offences and a further six months for unrelated outstanding offences, while Rondel has been ordered to complete 240 hours of community service.

JCIS Senior Manager Luke Goddard said:

"This case demonstrates the investigative skills and tenacity of JCIS Officers and their ability to work with off Island agencies to bring offenders back to the Island and face justice.

"I specifically want to thank colleagues in West Mercia Police for their assistance in locating and arresting one of the offenders."

The drugs have a street value in Jersey of up to £21,000.

In July 2025, Dean was jailed for two and a half years, and Henry was ordered to complete 284 hours of community service.

*Picture note: JCIS say the difference in weight on the scales, compared to the charge, is down to the packaging.