Woman who imported cocaine from Jamaica to addresses in Bristol and Frome jailed
Emily MacArthur went on the run after admitting offences
Last updated 16th May 2025
A woman who went on the run after admitting conspiring to supply controlled drugs into prisons and importing cocaine from Jamaica, has been sentenced today following an investigation by the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU).
Emily MacArthur, 34, of no fixed address, failed to appear at Swindon Crown Court back in April 2022 having pleaded guilty to both offences.
Her co-conspirator and former partner Dennis Obasi was sentenced to 11 years and seven months at Swindon Crown Court back in November 2022.
Today, MacArthur was handed a jail sentence of 13 years and 11 months at Swindon Crown Court for her previous guilty pleas as well as three counts of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs (crack cocaine and heroin), possession of criminal property, and failure to attend court.
Her criminal activities came to the attention of law enforcement in January 2020 when officers from UK Border Force stopped three separate parcels sent from Jamaica, which were addressed to MacArthur at flats in Frome and Bristol. They were all found to contain cocaine concealed inside shipments of seasonings, with a street value of more than £130k.
DC Williams from SWROCU said: “MacArthur thought nothing of exploiting both young people as ‘runners’ and vulnerable women to smuggle drugs into prison – it was all just about money and bettering her lifestyle.
“She’s tried hard over the past few years to avoid being caught but now it’s her turn to face justice for the harm she’s caused.
“Despite the challenges posed by her many false identities and fleeing to Northern Ireland, we’ve persevered to ensure justice was done.”
Minister for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending, Lord James Timpson said: “Drugs have a destabilising impact on the running of our prisons. Cracking down on their supply is critical to improving security and cutting crime.
“Bringing Emily MacArthur to justice is a result of our close working relationship with the police, as well as the efforts of prison staff who work tirelessly to tackle drugs behind bars.”