A woman’s nursing dreams are shattered after being caught with £10,500 in drug money earned through a drug scheme.
A woman, Lakeisha Doel, delivered cannabis packages around Wales and England, the court learned. Police searched Doel’s home and found £10,500 in cash in a shoebox. The drug packages had false names on them.
Doel was in contact with a man in America wanted by US immigration authorities. Her lawyer said she was vulnerable when she met him, and she had wanted to train as a nurse.
Police suspected a car made many trips to Birmingham, believing it was involved with cannabis supply last May. Officers stopped the car at the M4’s Ynysforgan junction. Doel was alone in the car, and police found cash, slips, and some cannabis.
A later search of Doel’s house discovered cash, a sword, and nitrous oxide. Almost five kilos of cannabis, worth up to £36,000 total, were also found. Phone messages showed drug delivery discussions, including postcodes and money amounts up to £36,000. The prosecutor said Doel helped the man run his drug business.
Doel initially told police she didn’t know about the drugs. She claimed a man abroad asked her to hold parcels, and another man would pick them up later. She said she went to Birmingham because she was dating someone, and London trips were for nights out. She eventually admitted delivering the parcels.
Doel pleaded guilty to drug supply involvement and admitted possessing criminal property, specifically £10,700 in cash. She also possessed cannabis. She had no prior convictions, and her lawyer said she was naive and trusted the man, adding that her nursing hopes are now gone.
The judge gave her a suspended sentence, stating he had to give a prison sentence. However, he suspended it given the context. Doel got 27 weeks, suspended for 18 months, and must complete a rehabilitation course and mental health treatment.
Police found the man’s addresses in Swansea and Essex. His mother said he was in the US, having entered America in February 2024. He is now an “overstayer,” and his location is currently unknown.