A Glasgow influencer has admitted her role in a major cannabis importation case after Border Force officers discovered nearly 18 kilograms of cannabis in her luggage at Edinburgh Airport. Ellie Crampsie, 23, pleaded guilty at Edinburgh Sheriff Court to being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug following her arrival from Thailand in April 2025.
The quantity of cannabis seized—around 17.7 kilograms with an estimated street value of between £115,000 and £151,000—prompted prosecutors to pursue a supply-related charge rather than one of simple possession. The case has now moved to the sentencing stage, where the court will decide whether Crampsie receives a prison sentence or another form of punishment.
The prosecution says Crampsie was travelling back to Scotland on an Air France flight via Paris when Border Force officers selected her for a routine inspection at Edinburgh Airport. During the search, officials found numerous vacuum-sealed packages concealed inside her luggage. Subsequent testing confirmed the packages contained cannabis.
Influencer pleads guilty over airport cannabis seizure
At a hearing before Edinburgh Sheriff Court, Crampsie admitted being concerned in the supply of cannabis, bringing an end to the prosecution’s need for a trial. The offence relates to the airport seizure that took place on 16 April 2025.
Prosecutor Emma Laing told the court that Border Force officers questioned Crampsie about her recent travel before carrying out a search of her luggage. The discovery of multiple vacuum-sealed packages containing cannabis led to her arrest and the criminal proceedings that followed.
Sheriff Graeme Watson postponed sentencing to allow criminal justice social workers to prepare reports assessing Crampsie’s background and the suitability of any alternative sentence. A restriction of liberty assessment has also been requested before the court reaches its final decision.
The sheriff stressed that delaying sentencing should not be interpreted as leniency, making it clear that all sentencing options remain available, including imprisonment.
Personal background presented in court
During mitigation, defence solicitor Mr Hodge said Crampsie has strong support from her parents, who attended the hearing, and described her previous criminal record as limited.
Crampsie, from the Broomhouse area of Glasgow, has developed a following on social media through lifestyle and nightlife content. She also operates a beauty business known as Brows by Ellie, offering eyebrow styling and cosmetic treatments.
Her online profile has added public interest to the case, but the legal proceedings remain focused on the offence and the evidence presented before the court. Other high-profile criminal investigations, including the Tiger Woods crash involving prescription opioids and DUI allegations, have likewise remained in the spotlight as court cases progressed.
Why the quantity of cannabis is significant
Under UK law, the amount of a controlled drug involved is a major factor when determining sentence. While cannabis is classified as a Class B drug, offences involving commercial-scale quantities are generally treated far more seriously than possession for personal use.
Prosecutors allege the amount recovered at Edinburgh Airport was consistent with an intention to supply rather than personal consumption. Cases involving large quantities can attract lengthy custodial sentences depending on the circumstances and the sentencing guidelines applied by the court.
Border Force continues to carry out intelligence-led and routine baggage checks at UK airports to prevent illegal drugs and other prohibited items from entering the country. Recent enforcement action in other sectors, including the Australian restaurant fined $24,000 over an illegal seafood deal, also highlights how serious regulatory and criminal breaches can result in substantial penalties.
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Sentencing decision still to come
Crampsie remains on bail while the court awaits the requested reports. Once those assessments have been completed, Edinburgh Sheriff Court will reconvene to determine the appropriate sentence.
The court is expected to consider the quantity of cannabis involved, Crampsie’s guilty plea, her personal circumstances, and the recommendations contained in the social work reports before deciding whether a custodial sentence is appropriate.
The case is a reminder of the severe legal consequences that can follow attempts to import controlled drugs into the UK. More information about Border Force’s role in tackling drug smuggling and enforcing customs laws is available from the UK Border Force.
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