A man arriving from Mexico claimed ignorance after cocaine was discovered in his and his companion’s suitcases.
Purvis, age 35, had a companion. Each person had a large black suitcase. Purvis also carried a plastic bag containing four colorful sombreros. He said he got them in Mexico.
A lawyer, Brian Gill KC, spoke in court. He said Purvis came from Mexico. They had been there since June 30, 2024. Purvis claimed the suitcases were his, and that he packed them himself.
Purvis stated he carried nothing for others. He knew drugs were prohibited in the UK. He only got the sombreros in Mexico, he said. The officer then searched Purvis’ suitcase.
The officer found eight sealed packages. Cutting one open revealed another sealed package. Yellow, foul-smelling liquid covered it. Inside was cocaine.
Purvis was cautioned by the officer. Purvis said it was all his and that his friend knew nothing. Purvis confessed he put it in his friend’s bag. He was then arrested.
He responded, “I understand. I’m stupid and ruined.” Officers also searched his companion’s case. They discovered seven more packages containing the Class A drug.
The fifteen packages held three kilos of cocaine each. The cocaine’s purity was 52%. Its street value was up to £5,640,000. Purvis flew from Mexico City, with a layover in Paris before flying to Edinburgh.
Purvis admitted involvement with cocaine supply at Edinburgh Airport on July 24. He also admitted evading import bans.
His lawyer, Ewen Roy, spoke for the defense, noting Purvis had no prior offenses. Thus, a background report was needed. The judge, Lord Summers, delayed sentencing.
Purvis watched the court via video from Edinburgh prison. The delay allows time for the report.