Three men appeared at Swansea Crown Court today and pleaded guilty for their part in an organised drug gang which supplied Class A drugs across South Wales.
They are:
Marcel Dean Edwards, born; 5/6/1973 of Beaconsfield Way, Sketty, Swansea
Daniel Raymond Brett, born; 19/12/1975. of Rye Way Herne Bay Kent.
Christopher David Jones Born; 26/1/1987 of Lon Brynawel, Llansamlet, Swansea
The arrests were made following a nine-month surveillance operation, which culminated in officers conducting simultaneous warrants at nine premises across Swansea and Neath Port Talbot, when Class A, B and C drugs with a street value of approximately £500,000 were recovered.
The pre-planned operation involved more than 100 officers from the Western Division and Organised Crime Unit of South Wales Police. It followed months of preparatory work by specialist officers who target organised crime groups.
Temporary Detective Inspector Mike Davies of the Organised Crime Unit at South Wales Police, said:” The sentences handed down by the court today are a clear message to those individuals who deal class A drugs.”
“The crucial factor in the success of this operation was that the information was supplied by the community to local officers, and which has prevented tens of thousands of drug deals getting onto the streets of Swansea and wider surrounding areas”
“This was a significant operation and the arrests were part of our ongoing drive to actively target individuals who were causing the greatest harm to our communities.”
“I would like to re assure the public across South Wales that our aim is to continue to pursue and investigate those individuals involved in the trafficking of drugs and look to utilise every tool available to secure their convictions and strip them of any assets they have gained through their involvement in crime.”
“It is our intention to use all our resources and skills to protect communities from the harm and misery drugs and prosecute those profiting from it”
Chief Superintendent Mark Matthias Divisional Commander for the Western Division of the South Wales Police, said: “The operation was an excellent example of how the police are constantly working to protect our communities from harm.
“Some of this work involved covert operations lasting many months which culminated in these convictions today.”
Mr Mathias added “What this operation clearly demonstrates is that no-one is above the law and anyone involved in serious organised crime will be targeted.
“The arrest and conviction of these men will have a significant impact on the supply of controlled drugs not only in Swansea, Neath Port Talbot but also a wider area. I would urge anyone who is concerned about any individuals affected by drugs to contact the National Drugs Helpline on 0800 77 66 00.”
Chris Holley, Leader of Swansea Council, said, “I’d like to praise the police for this successful operation. The people of Swansea will be reassured those operations of this kind, which take a great deal of time and resource, are made public and that the sentences handed out to drugs suppliers fit the hideous crime.”
