Gang Member’s Facebook Blunder Leads to Organised Crime Group Boss’s Downfall
An organised crime group dealing in “commercial” quantities of drugs was dismantled in the south Wales valleys following a critical Facebook error made by a member of the gang. The group exploited vulnerable individuals in the valleys to serve as runners and street dealers, while the mastermind behind the operation enjoyed financial gains. The leader of the cross-border operation has been sentenced to over eight years in prison, with investigating officers revealing that he flaunted a luxurious lifestyle, taking advantage of others’ vulnerabilities while boasting about claiming benefits and avoiding employment. A proceeds of crime investigation is set to follow.
The case unfolded at Cardiff Crown Court, where it was disclosed that the investigation commenced in February 2023 after an employer alerted Gwent detectives about a work laptop turned in by a former staff member that contained incriminating Facebook posts regarding drug distribution. Subsequently, the device was seized, leading to the exposure of the organised crime group headquartered in Abertillery, with 31-year-old Ben Wong identified as the kingpin. In August the following year, search warrants were executed at various locations in Blaneau Gwent, resulting in the recovery of drugs, cash, and mobile phones, which provided further evidence of drug supply, exploitation, and the operation’s “county lines” nature.
Further probe uncovered that drugs were sourced from Bristol and trafficked across the Severn by couriers for distribution in valleys communities. Vulnerable street dealers employed by the gang were compensated with drugs, plunging some deeper into despair. Ben Wong, residing in Llanhilleth, Abertillery, had previously admitted to conspiring to supply cocaine and cannabis, culminating in a sentence of eight years and four months in prison by Judge Lucy Crowther. A financial investigation under Proceeds of Crime Act powers will be conducted to seize Wong’s illicit gains.
PC Owen Furlong of Gwent Police, who spearheaded the case, highlighted Wong’s exploitation of vulnerabilities in the community for personal gain. The officer recounted how couriers fetched drugs from Bristol, subsequently distributed by individuals, including exploited youngsters, who were remunerated in drugs or cash. Wong’s opulent lifestyle, financed by inflicting torment on others, was a stark contrast to the misery he inflicted. Furlong affirmed the police force’s dedication to standing with communities against those preying on society’s vulnerable.
The gang’s downfall serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies in combatting organised crime. Wales witnessed a significant victory as justice prevailed against those perpetrating harm in the community. The repercussions of this case extend beyond the individual convictions, presenting a message of resilience and unity in safeguarding the welfare of all citizens. As the proceedings conclude, the commencement of the proceeds of crime investigation signals a commitment to dismantling criminal enterprises and reclaiming the ill-gotten spoils reaped through exploitation and illicit activities.