The Provincial Court of Palma has sentenced Joseph Arthur Johnson, a British citizen, to six years and one day in prison for drug trafficking involving substances that pose serious risks to health.
The sentence was handed down after the defense and prosecution reached an agreement, avoiding a trial initially scheduled for Monday morning in Palma. Prosecutors had initially sought an eight-year prison term, but the plea deal reduced Johnson’s sentence.
The Incident
Johnson’s case dates back to June 25, 2024, when he was arrested in Ibiza, Spain. Authorities discovered him in possession of an alarming quantity of illegal drugs. The seized substances included:
- Cocaine: 225.3 grams with a purity of 78.7%.
- Ketamine: 657.9 grams in total, including one batch of 461.6 grams with a purity of 93.4%.
- MDMA: Over 2,500 grams in various forms, with purities ranging from 17% to 88.2%.
The total weight of the drugs, including cocaine, MDMA, and ketamine, amounted to 6,378 grams. The estimated street value of the confiscated substances was calculated at €322,680.71.
Evidence of Intent to Sell
During the investigation, police found additional evidence pointing to Johnson’s involvement in drug distribution. This included two precision scales, numerous hermetically sealed plastic bags for packaging, and €410 in cash, believed to be proceeds from drug sales.
Judicial Outcome
Although Johnson’s sentence was reduced through a plea agreement, the court emphasized the gravity of the offense due to the quantity and potency of the drugs. His conviction underscores Spain’s stringent approach to combating drug trafficking, especially in regions like Ibiza, a hotspot for international tourism and recreational drug use.
For the full article, please visit Diario de Ibiza website here.