Hotel Housekeeper Uncovers Cocaine Stash, Exposing Drug Dealers
In a shocking turn of events, a hotel housekeeper at the Ibis hotel in Cardiff Gate unwittingly exposed two drug dealers after discovering a significant quantity of cocaine in their room. The discovery led to the arrest and subsequent sentencing of Keiran McCoy, 20, and Zack Tawton, 21, who had checked into the hotel under a false name.
The housekeeper stumbled upon over 100 grip seal bags of cocaine and golf-ball sized packages in the room occupied by McCoy and Tawton. Despite attempting to evade detection by checking out of the hotel, the two were apprehended after staff members alerted the police and provided evidence in the form of filmed footage of the illicit substances.
During a sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court, it was revealed that cocaine was scattered on the hotel dresser, alongside golf-ball sized packages on the floor and over 100 grip seal bags containing the class A drugs. Both McCoy and Tawton denied any knowledge of the drugs, but incriminating CCTV footage showed them entering and exiting the room, with traces of cocaine found on a mug within the room.
Following the discovery at the hotel, further investigations led to the search of McCoy and Tawton’s residences. In Tawton’s house in Llanishen, a machete and £8,000 in cash were found hidden under a mattress. Tawton pleaded guilty to being involved in the supply of cocaine, acquiring criminal property, and multiple driving offenses, while McCoy admitted to similar charges, including failing to stop when approached by the police.
The sentencing saw Tawton receive a three-year prison term, while McCoy was sentenced to two years and six months behind bars. Detective Inspector Tim Jones from South Wales Police commended the quick thinking of the hotel staff in reporting the illegal activities, ensuring that the perpetrators faced justice and could not profit from their criminal actions.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the vigilant role that members of the community, such as the hotel housekeeper in this instance, can play in uncovering criminal activities and aiding law enforcement in their efforts to maintain public safety and combat drug trafficking. Such partnerships between law enforcement agencies and the public are essential in the ongoing fight against drug-related crimes.
The sentencing of McCoy and Tawton serves as a warning to those involved in illegal drug activities that they will be pursued and brought to justice. The Proceeds of Crime Act will be utilised to prevent individuals from benefiting from their criminal enterprises, ensuring that the law enforcement agencies continue to deter and apprehend individuals engaged in such activities.