Glasgow social media influencer Ellie Crampsie is facing a prison sentence after pleading guilty to being concerned in the supply of cannabis at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on 26 March 2026. The 23-year-old was arrested at Edinburgh Airport after more than 17 kilograms of cannabis — with an estimated street value of over £150,000 — were found hidden in her luggage as she returned from a trip to Thailand.

Who Is Ellie Crampsie?

Ellie Crampsie is a 23-year-old social media influencer and beauty entrepreneur from Glasgow. She is a prominent figure in the Glasgow nightlife and events scene, regularly promoting brands and events to her social media following across platforms including Instagram. She also runs her own beauty business, Brows by Ellie, which specialises in eyebrow styling and treatments.

Before her arrest, Crampsie had built a recognisable profile in Glasgow social circles and maintained an active online presence documenting her social life, travels, and beauty work. She had travelled to Thailand in early 2026, and it was on her return to the UK that Border Force officers at Edinburgh Airport intercepted her.

The Edinburgh Airport Arrest

Border Force officers at Edinburgh Airport stopped Ellie Crampsie as she arrived on a flight returning from Thailand. A search of her luggage revealed more than 17 kilograms of cannabis concealed within her bags. The drugs were estimated to have a street value in excess of £150,000.

Cannabis is classified as a Class B controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. The quantity involved — over 17 kilograms — is highly significant from a legal standpoint. While personal possession of very small amounts might attract a caution or a community sentence, being found with such a large quantity is treated by courts as evidence of supply, which carries far more serious penalties.

Crampsie was arrested at the airport and charged with being concerned in the supply of cannabis to others. This charge reflects not simple possession, but active involvement in distributing the drug — a much more serious offence in the eyes of Scottish and UK law. The circumstances of the case — travelling from a country known to enforcement agencies as a source of cannabis products, with the drugs concealed in luggage — suggested a level of planning that is likely to weigh heavily in sentencing.

Court Proceedings

Ellie Crampsie appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday 26 March 2026, where she entered a guilty plea to the charge of being concerned in the supply of cannabis. Entering a guilty plea at an early stage is a factor the courts in Scotland take into account at sentencing: an early admission of guilt typically results in a reduced sentence, often a discount of up to one third in Scotland.

Sheriff Graeme Watson adjourned sentencing to allow the court to obtain a criminal justice social work report and a restriction of liberty assessment. These reports are prepared to give the court a fuller picture of the offender’s background, personal circumstances, and likelihood of reoffending. The Sheriff made clear that all sentencing options remain open ahead of the next hearing, including a custodial sentence.

What Sentence Could She Receive?

The sentencing options available to the Sheriff span a wide range. At the lower end, these include a community payback order or a restriction of liberty order — the equivalent of an electronic monitoring tag or curfew. However, given the serious nature of the offence — over 17 kilograms of Class B drugs with a street value exceeding £150,000 — a custodial sentence is a very real possibility.

In Scotland, sheriffs dealing with drug supply cases of this scale routinely impose custodial sentences. While there is no mandatory minimum for cannabis supply, judges take account of the quantity involved, the commercial value, and the degree of planning. The fact that Crampsie brought the drugs in from Thailand via an international flight, with the cannabis hidden in her luggage, is likely to be treated as an aggravating factor.

If a custodial sentence is imposed, Crampsie would be sent to a women’s prison in Scotland. Those wishing to support a friend or family member in custody can find guidance on booking a prison visit and sending money to a prisoner through the relevant prison service. For information on how sentences are served, including the proportion of a term spent in custody, see our guide to how much time is served on a prison sentence in the UK.

Cannabis and UK Drug Law

Cannabis is a Class B drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Possession for personal use in the UK can result in up to five years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both — though in practice, minor possession is frequently dealt with through warnings or cautions. Supply and trafficking offences attract far more serious consequences: being concerned in the supply of cannabis carries a maximum sentence of 14 years in the UK.

Importing drugs into the UK adds further gravity to an offence and can attract additional charges under the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979. Scotland operates under Scots law, but the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 applies across the UK and the maximum penalties are the same in Scotland as in England and Wales. The quantity of drugs involved, the value, and the route of importation are all factors that increase the severity with which courts treat such cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Ellie Crampsie?

Ellie Crampsie is a 23-year-old social media influencer and beauty entrepreneur from Glasgow who runs a business called Brows by Ellie. She was arrested at Edinburgh Airport in March 2026 after more than 17 kilograms of cannabis were found in her luggage.

What did Ellie Crampsie plead guilty to?

Ellie Crampsie pleaded guilty at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on 26 March 2026 to being concerned in the supply of cannabis. Officers found over 17 kilograms of cannabis, worth more than £150,000, in her luggage as she returned from Thailand via Edinburgh Airport.

Has Ellie Crampsie been sentenced yet?

As of 30 March 2026, Ellie Crampsie had not yet been sentenced. Sentencing was adjourned at Edinburgh Sheriff Court to allow for the preparation of a criminal justice social work report and a restriction of liberty assessment. All sentencing options remain open to the judge.

What is the maximum sentence for cannabis supply in Scotland?

The maximum sentence for being concerned in the supply of a Class B drug such as cannabis in Scotland is 14 years imprisonment. The actual sentence will depend on the quantity of drugs involved, the circumstances of the offence, and any mitigating factors such as an early guilty plea.

Is cannabis a Class B drug in the UK?

Yes. Cannabis is classified as a Class B controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. This classification applies across the UK, including Scotland. Possession can result in up to five years in prison, and supply carries a maximum sentence of 14 years. Class B drugs are considered less harmful than Class A drugs such as heroin or cocaine, but remain subject to serious criminal penalties.