Torquay man jailed for cannabis smuggling plot

5 years for Leon Day

A 49-year-old Torquay man has been jailed after smuggling over 700kg of cannabis - worth an estimated £7 million - into the UK.

Leon Day, formerly of Warren Road, pleaded guilty at Exeter Crown Court to importing the drugs from Singapore on three separate occasions last year. 

Operating through a business in Newton Abbot, Day attempted to hide the narcotics within pallets of incontinence pads, timber, latex gloves, and car seats.

While Day was on remand in prison following his initial arrest, UK Border Force and police intercepted a third shipment in November 2025.

He told officers, “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” However, he later admitted to two counts of the fraudulent evasion of a prohibition on the importation of a Class B drug. 

While he was not formally charged for the final November shipment, he admitted the offense, and it was taken into consideration during sentencing.

Detective Chief Inspector Becky Davies welcomed the sentence saying "Day carried out a significant amount of planning to facilitate the delivery of these drugs. The supply and use of drugs causes immense hidden harm within our communities; the actions of people like Day will not be tolerated."

Police urge anyone with information regarding drug-related activity to report it through non-emergency channels or anonymously through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.