A father involved in drug dealing has been instructed to hand over a substantial amount of money discovered hidden beneath his bed. Shaun Gwyther, a 26-year-old man, was found to have been purchasing large quantities of cocaine from a gang involved in trafficking the drug from Amsterdam to the UK. In August, Gwyther was sentenced to 52 months in prison by Swansea Crown Court for possession of cocaine with intent to supply and for his role in the distribution of cocaine. Following a financial investigation conducted under Proceeds of Crime Act powers, it was revealed that Gwyther had benefited from criminal activities amounting to £94,245. Despite this, only £8,940 in cash was identified as available assets, which was seized from his residence during his arrest.
During the investigation, it emerged that Gwyther came under police scrutiny when his number was discovered in a suspect’s phone during a separate drug trafficking inquiry in Swansea. Text messages on the device indicated that Gwyther and the user had been in frequent communication, with the user supplying him with kilos of cocaine. Upon searching Gwyther’s house, authorities uncovered over 600g of cocaine, £8,050 in cash stashed under his bed, additional cocaine in a bedside cabinet, and £910 in a wallet. Upon his arrest, Gwyther admitted guilt, acknowledging his involvement in drug activities as a means to support himself financially.
Law enforcement also recovered a burner phone from Gwyther’s property containing messages dating back to January 2021, illustrating his engagement in the buying and selling of cocaine within the Swansea region. Conversations on the phone disclosed that Gwyther was acquiring kilos of cocaine for £28,500 each, as well as establishing contact with a group that had recently imported 20kg of cocaine from Amsterdam. This group offered to supply Gwyther with the drug at a reduced price of £26,000 per kilo, boasting about its high quality suitable for converting into crack cocaine. The court approved a confiscation order for the identified £8,940 in assets from Gwyther.
With the emergence of a deeper insight into Gwyther’s involvement in drug trafficking, it highlights the concerning issue of drug-related criminal activities within the Swansea area. The case serves as a reminder of the persistent efforts by law enforcement agencies to tackle drug networks operating across borders and within communities. The court’s decision to order the surrender of the confiscated funds aims to deter individuals like Gwyther from engaging in illicit drug activities and to disrupt the flow of narcotics into the region.
The case of Shaun Gwyther underscores the serious consequences individuals face when caught participating in drug trafficking activities. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies in conducting investigations and seizing illegal assets play a crucial role in curbing the influence of drug networks and ensuring the safety and security of communities. As sentencing and confiscation orders are enforced, it sends a clear message that those involved in drug-related offences will be held accountable for their actions and face appropriate legal consequences. This development serves as a notable milestone in ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and protect society from the harmful impact of narcotics.