A drug dealer in Cardiff was caught tipping out white powder from a bag before being found in possession of crack cocaine and heroin during a police raid. Sambou Kassama, 27, also had burner phones indicating that he had been advertising drugs to numerous customers. The police raided Kassama’s home in Cardiff on July 4 and witnessed him discarding white powder from a bag out of a rear bedroom window. He then tried to dispose of more items in a neighbour’s garden after jumping out of the window. During Kassama’s sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court, it was revealed that he was apprehended by the police and found with packages of heroin and cocaine. The packages included 0.236g of heroin valued at £30 and another package of 0.212g of heroin worth £20. Additionally, 2.57g of crack cocaine was found in a neighbour’s garden, valued at £230. Police also seized three phones, digital scales with residue, 9.2g of cannabis, a flick knife, a machete, pepper spray, and £750 in cash from Kassama’s property in Heol Muston, Ely.
The court heard that examination of the burner phones showed that they were used as drug lines to message customers about the sale of heroin and crack cocaine. Messages were sent to customers in Cardiff, London, Birmingham, and Manchester. Kassama pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs, and possession of Class B drugs. He had previously been sentenced to 54 months in prison in August 2022 for similar offenses related to cocaine. In his defence, Kassama’s lawyer, Dan Jones, stated that his client had come to the UK from Gambia and had resorted to drug dealing after his indefinite leave to remain was revoked following his prior conviction. This left him unable to work or pursue education in the UK, leading him to engage in drug dealing to pay off debts.
Despite hoping to train as a mechanic, Kassama faces likely deportation. Recorder Alyn Eynon-Evans sentenced him to a total of 52 months imprisonment, with Kassama expected to serve half of the sentence in custody before being released on licence. The incident highlights the ongoing battle against drug-related crimes in Cardiff and the impact of such activities on individuals and communities. This case serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of involvement in drug dealing and the legal actions taken to address such criminal activities. The sentencing reflects the efforts to uphold the law and ensure accountability for those engaged in illegal drug trade.