An organised crime gang has been uncovered for their involvement in a conspiracy to supply up to £72m worth of heroin and cocaine transported into south Wales. Kerry Evans, 35, from Merthyr Tydfil, played a central role in orchestrating the enterprise, which operated on a massive scale involving significant amounts of money. Prosecutor Andrew Jones described the operation as engaging in drug dealing on a colossal scale, with a distribution network spanning between the north of England and Merthyr Tydfil, involving individuals at various levels of the supply chain. Following an investigation by regional organised crime unit Tarian, a substantial seizure of almost 10kg of cocaine and 5kg of heroin was made, with a potential street value exceeding £1.5m.
During the sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court, it was revealed that Kerry Evans had pleaded guilty to five counts of conspiracy to supply class A drugs and was handed a sentence of 14 years and five months in prison. Over a period of 12 months, Evans claimed involvement in the sale of 600kg of heroin, cocaine, or a combination of both, with an estimated wholesale value ranging from £13.8m to £19.2m. The street value of these drugs, if broken down into individual deals, was estimated between £64m and £72m. Evans was identified as a “regional manager” at the top of the hierarchy within the gang, acting as a pivotal figure in coordinating numerous drug transactions and communicating with other defendants.
Lloyd Jones, 30, also from Merthyr Tydfil, pleaded guilty to three counts of conspiracy to supply class A drugs and received a sentence of eight years and 10 months in prison. Jones contributed logistical support to the operation and was found in possession of 5kg of heroin, delivered using a crane for pick up. Other members of the gang, including Jason Flannigan, Ricky Griffiths, Christopher Wray, Alex Davies, Claire James, Leon Owen, Asim Syed, and more, were involved in various capacities such as courier services, providing safe houses, and handling substantial amounts of cash and drugs.
Following the sentencing, Detective Inspector Vinnie Easton from Tarian ROCU commended the sentences handed down to the individuals involved in the drug trafficking enterprise. He emphasised the role of detailed investigative work in combating organised crime and highlighted the harm caused by the supply of illegal drugs in communities. The investigation uncovered a significant drug conspiracy, underscoring the efforts to address such criminal activities and prevent drugs from circulating within society.