A cocaine dealer posing as a Turkish cigarette salesman was exposed through a lottery ticket purchase, a court in Swansea has heard. Lee Gallagher, who claimed to be selling Turkish cigarettes to explain his high income, was found to be involved in drug trafficking after a thorough investigation. Gallagher’s phone records revealed connections to a drug network in Aberystwyth, where he operated alongside another dealer offering a variety of illegal substances to customers.
During the court proceedings, it was highlighted that dealing in Class A drugs, such as cocaine, has detrimental effects on communities, with the judge describing it as a “wicked” trade. The case shed light on the prevalence of drug-related activities in Aberystwyth, following the recent incarceration of an organised crime group flooding the town with cocaine. The operations involved various businesses being used as facades, individuals being trafficked as couriers, and vulnerable groups being exploited for criminal activities.
The investigation into Gallagher began when police noticed suspicious financial transactions in his bank account amounting to tens of thousands of pounds. Despite his claims of trading in cigarettes, further evidence obtained from his phone indicated his involvement in cocaine distribution. Gallagher’s association with another dealer, Ethan Bablak-Land, was discovered, leading to their arrests and subsequent convictions for drug-related charges.
The court revealed incriminating messages exchanged between Gallagher and Bablak-Land discussing cocaine sales, with physical evidence linking Gallagher to the drug deals. Attempts to deny involvement and attribute the messages to set-ups were refuted by CCTV footage showing the defendants together in Aberystwyth. Despite initial claims, both Gallagher and another accomplice, Omar Yafari, were found guilty of drug trafficking.
In sentencing, the judge emphasised the detrimental impact of Class A drugs on the town of Aberystwyth, highlighting the need to address drug-related issues within the community. Bablak-Land received a two-year detention sentence for his involvement, while Gallagher and Yafari were sentenced to three years and two years in prison, respectively. All defendants are expected to serve a portion of their sentences in custody before being released on licence.
The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against drug trafficking and the importance of holding individuals involved in such illegal activities accountable. The court proceedings shed light on the complexities of drug networks and the detrimental effects of drug-related crimes on communities. It underscores the authorities’ commitment to tackling drug-related issues and upholding the law to ensure public safety and well-being.