Train travelling drug smuggler jailed

Hoang Ho carried cannabis on a cross-border service from Preston to Glasgow

Published 21st Feb 2017

A man who tried to smuggle £34,000 worth of drugs into Scotland by carrying them in his suitcase on a cross-border train, has been jailed for 20 months.

Hoang Ho travelled on a Virgin train service between Preston and Glasgow Central on 16th November 2016 with a suitcase and a holdall full of herbal cannabis.

Train staff alerted British Transport Police after smelling the cannabis as they walked through the carriage Ho was sitting in.

Ho was intercepted on arrival at Glasgow Central station by BTP officers and pleaded guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Friday to one count of being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug, namely cannabis.

Investigating officer, Det Con Laura McClelland, said: “I am pleased that these drugs didn’t make it onto the streets of Glasgow and beyond. I hope that it sends a clear message that the transporting of controlled drugs on the railway will not go unnoticed and robust action will be taken by British Transport Police.

“Ho will spend 20 months in prison as a result of his actions and I hope that he learns from this.

“If you hear or see anything suspicious during your journey, please don’t hesitate to report this to us.”