A drug dealer attending Leeds Festival this weekend allegedly concocted an elaborate plan to smuggle cocaine into Leeds festival in a plot that's been described as being like 'something out of a movie.'
He allegedly buried 'mountains of cocaine underneath a campsite plot ahead of the festival, before returning to the site to then plant his tent above it weeks later, reports the Daily Star.
It's believed that, after bypassing security, the unnamed man then used a map to relocate his buried stash before then pitching his tent above it.
From here, it's reported he then cut a hole in the bottom of his tent before proceeding to dig up the drugs and start cutting them up into individual portions ready for resale.
Believing himself to be concealed, he carried on but his activities raised suspicions from neighbours at the campsite who then reported a 'powerful metallic floral smell' to security guards nearby.
It's believed that the strong smell was caused by the cocaine being mixed with chemicals to make it go further before being sold on and that this is what alerted neighbouring campers to the activity.
Security guards then reportedly burst in on the 'pop-up cocaine factory' and arrested the man before it was able to sell anything to revellers at the weekend-long festival; which featured headline sets from the likes of Post Malone, Liam Gallagher and Stormzy - the latter of whom surprised fans on Saturday night by bringing footballer Jack Grealish out on stage with him.
It's now reported that he faces as much as 14 years jail time for his actions.
According to reports by the Daily Star, investigators suspect the plot was hatched as long as two years ago before the 2019 festival was cancelled due to Covid.19.
It's thought that the man visited the festival site for a 'reccy' ahead of the 2020 event, scoping out the best places in the campsites to hide his stash.
It's then believed that he visited the site several weeks ago, ahead of the 2021 date, and proceeded to conceal the cocaine underground - using an X marks the spot map to help him remember where the drugs were hidden.
It is alleged he then used the same map to relocate the stash ahead of the festival's official opening on Friday 27 August.
Speaking to the Daily Star, on security guard said: "This just shows the lengths some people will go to.None of us could believe it. It was like a plot from a movie.
"He had buried a considerable amount of cocaine – an entire block. It was very satisfying to catch him before he could distribute it.
"Considerable progress has been made in keeping drugs out of the festival and this bust highlights it. I saw more drugs at the Euro 2020 final at Wembley than the entire three-days of Leeds Festival.''
A family-run business is about to breathe new life into one of the city's most culturally significant buildings.
Introducing Moods - a new all-day cafe, bar and events venue that will open to the public at First White Cloth Hall on Kirkgate on Friday 31 July.
Created by husband-and-wife founders Will and Hayley Moody, the team behind Buzz Club Tattoo, Moods will occupy the ground floor of the Grade II* listed building.
Originally built in 1711 for the sale of white, undyed cloth, some of its roof timbers have been dated to the mid-1470s, and the building spent more than 20 years on Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register before a major restoration by Rushbond returned it to use.
Images: Supplied
Moods will bring speciality coffee, in-house patisserie, elevated day dining, cocktails, wine, beer and events together under one historic roof.
Doors open at 6pm on Friday 31 July for drinks and bar snacks, with all-day food service beginning at 8am on Saturday 1 August.
The kitchen will be led by Head Chef Craig Rogan, who trained within Simon Rogan's Michelin-starred restaurant group, including time at L'Enclume and Fera at Claridge's.
Will Moody said: "Leeds has been our home since university, and First White Cloth Hall felt like the kind of building you do not get a second chance with. From the moment we saw it, we knew it could become much more than a studio home.
"Moods is about opening the ground floor up and giving people a reason to use the building from morning through to night, whether that is coffee, food, drinks, private events or simply a good catch-up with friends."
We can't wait to check out the space, and you can find out more about Moods here.
Leeds is set to be transformed into a huge interactive game of Trivial Pursuit this week
Clementine Hall
Leeds is set to become a giant board game this summer as Trivial Pursuit arrives in the city centre to celebrate a landmark moment in its history.
The famous board game is being brought to life as LeedsBID transforms the city centre into a live version of Hasbro’s iconic Trivial Pursuit board game, marking 400 years since Leeds was granted its royal charter.
And a few famous Leeds faces are helping to make it happen.
Running from this Saturday 25 July to Sunday 30 August 2026 and is completely free, players embark on journey across the city centre, travelling from category to category and testing their knowledge of Leeds. Correct answers earn wedges, and once all six are collected, players face a final question to complete the game.
Key locations represent the six traditional Trivial Pursuit categories: Entertainment, Geography, Sports and Leisure, Science and Nature, History, and Art and Literature.
Central to the game will be the stories and achievements that have shaped Leeds over four centuries, from the origins of Marks & Spencer to a connection with the first British internet provider.
An array of well-known personalities are involved, appearing digitally to look back and look ahead at the city’s notable events.
Leeds-born presenter and podcaster Alex Zane, historian Ruth Goodman, and commentator Daniel Norcross each take on Entertainment, History, and Sports & Leisure, telling the stories behind the people, places, and moments that define Leeds.
Angela Griffin says: “LeedsBID have come up with a fun and engaging way to introduce visitors to the Leeds story through Trivial Pursuit, and I was happy to play a part in some of this trivia this summer, which is a real honour as a Loiner.”
Sara Merritt, Principal Keeper, Leeds City Museum and Leeds Discovery Centre. “Leeds City Museum is excited to host TRIVIAL PURSUIT as part of Leeds400 this summer, offering visitors a fun and interactive way to celebrate knowledge, curiosity, and everything that makes Leeds unique.”
Georgina Pellant -
31st August 2021 
