Three drug dealers operating under the alias of the “Monkey line” drugs phone operation were apprehended after a police officer on patrol spotted one of them riding an e-scooter, leading to a subsequent investigation resulting in their arrest. Kieran Jones-Mathias, Paul Morgan, and Matthew Ace were the individuals involved in this drug dealing operation.
The sequence of events leading to their capture began on a December morning last year when police officers near Swansea railway station observed Jones-Mathias heading towards the city centre on an e-scooter. Being aware that Jones-Mathias was wanted on a warrant, the officers tracked him to Oystermouth Road where he was arrested outside a hotel on the seafront. Upon seizing his phones, a forensic examination revealed his connection to the drug line known as the “Monkey line”.
Further enquiries led the authorities to a flat on New Orchard Street where Morgan and Ace were found in possession of nearly £3,000 in cash, 85g of cocaine, and multiple mobile phones. Subsequently, both individuals were also apprehended and taken into custody. During the interviews, all three men chose to remain silent, except for one instance where Morgan claimed a particular contact in his phone was that of a prostitute.
Kieran Jones-Mathias, aged 31, pleaded guilty to charges of involvement in the supply of cocaine and possession of controlled substances when he appeared before the court for sentencing. Paul Morgan, aged 41, and Matthew Ace, aged 37, confessed to possession of cocaine with intent to supply, being concerned in the supply of cocaine, and possession of criminal property. The court learned about the extensive criminal histories of the defendants, including previous convictions for various offences.
Jones-Mathias had a criminal record dating back to 2015, with his most recent conviction in April 2024 for harassment. Morgan had been sentenced to prison for burglaries and vehicle offences while Ace, also with a significant criminal history, had been involved in theft and handling stolen goods cases. Following the guilty pleas, the judge sentenced Morgan to three years and nine months, Ace to three years and 41 weeks, and Jones-Mathias to four years.
In their defence, Jones-Mathias’ lawyer mentioned his challenging circumstances post-release, Morgan’s representative highlighted his family situation, and Ace’s legal counsel acknowledged his client’s troubled past. The defendants are expected to serve a portion of their sentences in custody before being released on license.
This incident serves as a reminder of the persistent efforts to combat drug-related activities in the community, with law enforcement agencies working diligently to apprehend those involved in illegal operations. The judicial system plays a crucial role in holding individuals accountable for their actions and ensuring the safety and well-being of the public.