Four South Wales men are among 10 from across the UK who are due to be sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court on 1st and 2nd July for conspiring to supply Class A drugs.
They are:
David Carl Richards: DOB 06/04/78, Garth Road, Rhydyfro, Pontardawe, Swansea
Keri Lyn Pritchard: DOB: 27/05/76, Alltywerin Road, Pontardawe, Swansea
Adam Horton: DOB 11/04/87, Mansel Terrace, Cwmbwrla, Swansea
David Williams: DOB 21/10/67, Brytwn Road, Cymmer, Neath Port Talbot
They were arrested by South Wales Police during Operation New Mexico in June 2009, which was part of a wider Serious and Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) operation involving other police forces and law enforcement agencies.
Detective Superintendent Steve Benson-Davison, head of the Organised Crime Unit at South Wales Police, said:
“The quantities of drugs and cash seized were significant and the arrests disrupted a criminal gang who were trafficking drugs and laundering money across the country.
“South Wales Police will be relentless in its pursuit of individuals who cause the greatest harm to our communities.
“We will work with other law enforcement agencies and look to utilise every tool available to secure convictions and strip these criminals of any assets they have gained through their involvement in crime.
“This operation sent out a clear message to drug dealers and organised crime groups that it is our full intention to protect communities from the harm and misery they cause for their own profit.”
Inspector Jeff Handley of the Pontardawe Neighbourhood Policing Team said:
“These individuals are very well known in the Swansea Valley community and perceived themselves to be untouchable as far as the law is concerned.
“What this operation has clearly demonstrated is that no-one is above the law and anyone involved in serious organised crime will be targeted and brought to justice.
“The Swansea Valley is a fantastic place to live and work. These people peddled misery to vulnerable members of our community who, once hooked, had no escape.
“I am delighted with the support we have had from our communities and I know that they were frustrated seeing these individuals living off the proceeds of crime, living lavish lifestyles and driving around in expensive cars.
“This operation has lasted over 18 months, most of which was out of the public eye. It’s essential that justice is not only done but seen to be done, which is what has been achieved today.”
