A NURSE who once had a promising career is now serving a two-and-a-half year sentence behind bars after she was caught trying to smuggle 40 MDMA pills into Creamfields.

The serving prisoner is one of a number of men and women behind bars following last year’s dance festival in Daresbury.

Her nursing career is over.

Insp Mark Gammage said it is simply ‘not worth the risk’ trying to smuggle illicit substances into the annual festival this weekend.

“This is one of a number of scenarios that we are highlighting this year to make people who think it’s ok to smuggle in drugs, or that they can make a quick buck at Creamfields, understand that there will be consequences to their actions – it’s not worth the risk,” he said.

“We are doing all we can to prevent drugs from entering the site both in the run-up to the event and during the event.”

Last year officers made 137 arrests and convicted defendants are now serving more than 100 years in prison.

Around 70,000 festival goers are expected to descend on the four-day music event over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Police have confirmed that searches are a condition of entry in a bid to uncover illicit hauls.

Those attending the festival will be subjected to security checks as they enter the site – this could include body searches and sniffer dogs.

Anyone refusing to be searched will be denied entry.

“I know that some people see drug taking as a recreational activity or even harmless fun, but it is illegal,” said Insp Gammage.

“We want festival goers to have a great time at Creamfields, but the consequences of taking drugs can be devastating, not just for those taking the drugs, but also for their family and friends.”

There will be surrender bins provided at the entrances for festival goers to dispose of weapons without any repercussions.

Over the past couple of weeks construction workers have been busy building the stages and sets while officers have been carrying out searches of the area and organising security and safety checks.

Follow the officers on Twitter @Creamfieldscops.