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A 20-year-old man has died in Dubai after allegedly swallowing multiple packages of cocaine in an attempt to smuggle the drugs from the UK, authorities confirmed. The tragic incident has led to four people being charged in connection with the death and conspiracy to export a Class A drug.  The victim, Jensen Westhead, from Thornton Cleveleys, Lancashire, reportedly swallowed several cocaine-filled packages at a Manchester hotel on 2 December 2024, before boarding a flight from Manchester Airport bound for Dubai. He arrived in Dubai on 3 December and was found dead the following day at the Hotel Avalon.

Police explained that one of the swallowed packages burst in his stomach, causing a fatal overdose. The incident prompted a complex investigation by Lancashire Police, which has now resulted in charges against four individuals.

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Arrests And Charges

Authorities have charged Rebecca Hatch (43) and Glenn Hatch (50), both of Hatfield Close, Thornton Cleveleys; Alexander Tofton (32) of Tewkesbury Drive, Lytham St Annes; and Steven Stephenson (36) of St Lawrence Road, Denton, with conspiracy to fraudulently evade the prohibition on exportation of a Class A drug.

In addition, Stephenson faces a separate charge for being concerned in the supply of cocaine. All four are scheduled to appear before Lancaster Magistrates’ Court on 31 October. 

UK Cocaine Scandal

Lancashire Police confirmed that Westhead swallowed the packages on 2 December at a Manchester hotel, shortly before departing for Dubai. “At least one of the packages of cocaine burst in his stomach and he suffered an overdose,” a police statement said.

Westhead’s death in Dubai on 4 December 2024 was the catalyst for an extensive investigation spanning multiple locations and individuals. Police described the case as a “complex investigation” into a coordinated effort to smuggle cocaine out of the UK.

The four suspects are accused of participating in the conspiracy between 21 November and 4 December 2024 to send cocaine from the UK to Dubai. The charges represent serious UK law offences involving the exportation and supply of Class A drugs.

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Lancashire Police continued that the investigation was continuing and further questions were being asked in order to establish the extent of the conspiracy. Legal action is to resume at Lancaster Magistrates' Court this month.