English-born Ghanaian Michael Boateng jailed 14 years for drug offences

Former Crystal Palace youth player Michael Boateng has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for drug offences involving almost 20 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine.

The 34-year-old English-born Ghanaian was arrested on February 14, 2024, after police discovered 19.7kg of the Class A drug in a sports bag at his Croydon flat, where he lived with his girlfriend and infant son.

Boateng admitted at Croydon Crown Court in September to supplying crystal meth, cocaine, and MDMA. Judge Daniel Flahive said the former footballer played a “significant role” in an organised crime group.

According to The Sun, the haul had a wholesale value of between £200,000 and £400,000, with a potential street value of up to £2.36 million. CCTV captured Boateng collecting the bag outside his home a week before the police raid.

“You were playing a significant role in the drug dealing enterprise,” Judge Flahive told him.

“The amount of drugs we are talking about, just shy of 20kg… potentially millions of pounds at street level.”

The court also heard the offence was committed while he was on bail for earlier drug charges.

Boateng’s girlfriend appeared visibly shocked when the sentence was read. His defence barrister, Paul Crampin, said he had received a police Osman Warning in 2022, leading to personal turmoil and drug use.

Boateng, who later worked as a personal trainer, once counted England star Jadon Sancho among his clients.