Jersey pair sentenced over cocaine importation plot

Two Jersey men have been sentenced for their roles in a failed attempt to smuggle cocaine into the Island.

Ryan Palfrey, 28, of Trinity, was jailed for five years for drugs offences, with an additional six-month sentence imposed for separate outstanding matters. Harry Rondel, 31, of St Helier, was sentenced to 240 hours of community service.

The case began on 16 April 2025, when UK-based Stephanie Dean and Jaye Henry arrived in Jersey on the ferry from Portsmouth. During routine checks, officers from the Jersey Customs and Immigration Service (JCIS) discovered that Dean had internally concealed 84 grams of cocaine.

Investigators examined Dean's mobile phone, uncovering evidence that linked Palfrey to the importation. When officers arrested him, they also found a personal quantity of cannabis at his home. Analysis of his phone later revealed Rondel's involvement in the operation.

Rondel was subsequently arrested at his St Helier home, where officers found a personal quantity of cocaine.

During interviews, Palfrey admitted knowing the two women were travelling to Jersey but denied any knowledge that they were carrying drugs. Rondel acknowledged he was aware of the planned importation but claimed he had not helped organise it, despite making a payment to Dean the day before the drugs arrived.

Both men were initially released on bail. However, Palfrey later fled to the UK and attempted to obtain a passport. His application was refused, and JCIS officers worked with West Mercia Police to locate, arrest and return him to Jersey.

The pair were charged with importing cocaine and initially denied the offences before changing their pleas to guilty in May.

The cocaine seized in the operation has an estimated Jersey street value of up to £21,000.

Following the sentencing, JCIS Senior Manager Luke Goddard praised the investigation and the cooperation between law enforcement agencies.

"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," he said.

He also thanked West Mercia Police for their assistance in locating and arresting Palfrey after he left Jersey.

The two women who brought the drugs to the Island were sentenced earlier this year. In July 2025, Stephanie Dean was jailed for two and a half years, while Jaye Henry was ordered to complete 284 hours of community service.

Editor's note: JCIS said the difference between the weight shown on the evidence scales and the weight stated in the charge relates to the drug packaging.