A member of an organised crime gang attempted to receive a package from Austria containing 10kg of MDMA disguised as bath salts with an estimated street value of £300,000. Abigail Kavanagh, aged 25 from Cardiff, was apprehended as part of an operation conducted by the regional organised crime unit Tarian, aimed at targeting the importation of class A drugs. The interception of the package took place on March 8 at East Midlands Airport by Border Force officers. The parcel, addressed to Kavanagh, was initially thought to contain bath salts but upon closer inspection, it was discovered to hold 10kg of MDMA.
During the sentencing at Newport Crown Court, it was revealed that Kavanagh’s phone contained incriminating messages linking her to the distribution of spice in prisons across South Wales. Judge Daniel Williams, while sentencing Kavanagh to seven years and six months in prison, underscored that she was well aware of the risks involved and ultimately faced the consequences of her actions.
Detective Constable Rhys Richards of Tarian, following the court proceedings, emphasised Kavanagh’s pivotal role within the criminal group. He highlighted her involvement in the reception of substantial quantities of Class A drugs, organizing spice deliveries to correctional facilities, and handling cash for the illicit operation. Richards pointed out the disregard these offenders have for the harm caused by drug trafficking, focusing solely on financial gain. He reiterated Tarian’s commitment to collaborating with various agencies to bring such criminals to justice.
The case sheds light on the ongoing battle against drug trafficking and organized crime, underlining the significant efforts by law enforcement to disrupt these operations. The sentencing of Kavanagh serves as a stern warning to individuals engaging in similar criminal activities, as authorities continue their relentless pursuit to safeguard communities from the devastating impacts of drug distribution.