A 20-year-old cocaine dealer found himself back in trouble with the law after being caught on CCTV footage topping up his drug phone in a convenience store shortly after his release from a young offenders institution, a court in Swansea heard.
Solomon Rodrigues was identified by police as the person responsible for a new drugs line operating in the Swansea area in spring 2024. The police became aware of the operation when the number associated with the drugs line started appearing in the phones of known drug users in the city, with messages referencing cocaine and offering deals.
The phone used for the drug operation was unregistered, and after accessing call data and CCTV footage from the shop where the phone was topped up, officers were able to link Rodrigues to the illegal activity. The investigation led them to addresses in Brynhyfryd and St Thomas associated with the defendant.
On September 25, police arrested Rodrigues at an address in Brynhyfryd and seized cash, phones, and a SIM card linked to the drug line. Despite remaining silent during the interview, Rodrigues pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine.
At his sentencing, it was revealed that Rodrigues had a previous conviction for drug dealing as a minor and had been groomed into the illegal activity. His defence lawyer argued that he had struggled to find legitimate work due to his criminal record and pressure to repay debts led him back into drug dealing.
The judge warned Rodrigues that if he continued down the path of drug dealing, his sentences would only get longer, potentially leading to a wasted life. Rodrigues was sentenced to four years’ detention in a young offenders institution with the possibility of early release on licence.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of getting involved in illegal drug activities, especially for young individuals like Rodrigues who may be vulnerable to exploitation and trapped in a cycle of criminal behaviour.