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.''
Expect live music, a load of craic and plenty of Guinness at Leeds' brand-new bar.
Opening on Leeds' bustling Merrion Street, 'Love, Jackie' is the latest concept from the team behind Roxy Ball Room and King Pins.
Love, Jackie will be taking over a 7,000 sq ft space,and will be promising proper prints, late nights and plenty of Irish charm.
Pouring will be the holy trinity of Irish stouts - Guinness, Beamish and Murphy's.
Image: Supplied
These will be served alongside Leeds' own Kirkstall Virtuous IPA and a vast whiskey selection that celebrates the best of Ireland.
Games wise, try your hand at crazy pool, interactive darts, shuffleboard and karaoke. There will also be live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
The opening comes as Merrion Street enjoys a new wave of investment and hospitality openings, helping bring new life to one of Leeds' best known night life attractions.
Image: Supplied
Matt Jones, CEO of Professionals at Play, said: “Everyone knows a Jackie. She’s the one who gets everyone together, convinces you to stay for another and makes sure there’s never a dull moment.
“We wanted to create a pub with that same personality. Somewhere with brilliant drinks, live music, plenty of games and the kind of atmosphere that makes you forget you were only popping in for one.
“Merrion Street is coming back to life, and we’re excited to be part of its next chapter. We think Jackie will fit right in. And because Jackie’s never been one to turn up empty-handed, the first drink’s on her."
We'll keep you updated on opening times as and when we find out, but for now you can sign up here for a pint of free Guinness. Cheers to that!
Leeds City Council granted £1.6m to tackle rough sleeping by Christmas
Clementine Hall
A £1.6m grant has been given by the government to Leeds City Council to help tackle rough sleeping.
The funding has been allocated to Leeds City Council as part of the Government’s national Rough Sleeping Programme.
The overall target is to help rough sleepovers off the streets by Christmas through providing safe accommodation.
The council have said that voluntary organisations and charities will be able to help them reach this target.
The council report said: "This funding will be used for immediate interventions to ensure all those rough sleeping have an offer of accommodation by Christmas and support longer term sustainment of accommodation.
“The initial target is to provide a suitable offer of accommodation for everyone who is rough sleeping by Christmas 2026.
“Providing a path into supported accommodation and independent living is the key objective and sustaining this independent living with, where necessary, ongoing support to prevent any return to rough sleeping and homelessness.”
The government announcement spoke of the scheme: "The programme is intended to support people experiencing rough sleeping.
"People experiencing rough sleeping may have differing entitlements to housing and support depending on their individual circumstances, including their immigration status and eligibility for public funds."
The funding is intended to help provide immediate support for people currently sleeping on the streets, while also helping them access longer-term accommodation and the support needed to maintain independent living.
By working with local charities and voluntary organisations, the council hopes to ensure people are not only offered a place to stay but are also given the help they need to avoid returning to the streets.
Georgina Pellant -
31st August 2021 
