A cocaine dealer in Cardiff who was found with two luxury cars has been ordered to pay back £269,000 despite having made over £360,000 from his criminal activities. Wesley Fender, 40, was involved in the distribution of five kilograms of cocaine and used an expensive EncroChat device to communicate with higher-level figures in the drug chain under the pseudonym “LooseBow”. Described as playing a leading role in a conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, Fender was closely connected to the original source of the drugs.
During a sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court, it was revealed that Fender would have expected significant financial gains from his criminal actions. The court heard that Fender possessed two high-value cars when he was arrested by the police, including an Audi R8. Messages between Fender, using the handle ‘LooseBow’, and another dealer further up the chain, who used the handle ‘RioMale’, referenced drug supplies in kilo quantities, cash transactions, exchange rates, firearms, and threats of violence.
Recorder Andrew Hammond highlighted the devastating impact of Class A drugs on individuals, noting that those involved in such criminal enterprises were essentially trading in human misery. Fender initially denied being ‘LooseBow’ but later admitted to conspiring to supply Class A drugs at the start of his trial. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison.
At a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing, it was revealed that Fender had benefited from his criminal activities to the sum of £362,500, but only had assets amounting to £268,423. As a result, he was ordered to pay back the sum of £269,000 by Recorder Aiden Eardley KC. This case exemplifies the efforts made by law enforcement to disrupt drug trafficking networks and hold individuals involved in such criminal enterprises accountable for their actions.