Jersey man jailed for money laundering and drug supply

Timothy Ayers, a 43-year-old resident of Jersey, has been sentenced to two years and six months in prison for his involvement in drug supply and money laundering activities. The Royal Court found that Ayers supplied 830 grams of cannabis to Darren El Mettouri, a 42-year-old from Guernsey, for £15,400. The authorities monitored their activities through a collaborative effort involving Jersey Customs and Immigration Services, States of Jersey Police, and the Guernsey Border Agency. During a raid at El Mettouri's residence, law enforcement discovered the cannabis, a personal amount of cocaine, and £600 in cash. In a separate investigation, Ayers was found with £15,400 in cash, along with cocaine and cannabis, and a notebook containing names and cash amounts, indicating further illicit transactions. Ayers admitted that one entry in the notebook referred to El Mettouri and acknowledged receiving a significant sum from him on the day of the bar meeting. The court proceedings revealed that Ayers could not explain the other names listed in the notebook, which totaled over £100,000. This lack of clarity raised suspicions about the extent of his involvement in drug trafficking. El Mettouri had previously been sentenced to four years and four months in prison for similar offenses, highlighting the ongoing issues of drug supply and money laundering in the region. Authorities are continuing to investigate Ayers for any potential criminal assets, emphasizing the importance of cross-agency cooperation in tackling drug trafficking syndicates operating in the islands. This case serves as a reminder of the serious legal consequences associated with drug-related crimes.