Cocaine-dealing cousins Corey Jones and Lee Rose have once again found themselves in trouble with the law after being caught selling drugs on the streets of Swansea. The cousins, both 20 years old, were released on licence from young offenders institutions where they were serving sentences for previous drug dealing activities. Ironically, one of the cousins had only been free for a couple of days when he resumed his illegal activities.
According to Ian Wright, the prosecutor at Swansea Crown Court, the police became suspicious of two males in a Vauxhall Corsa parked outside a convenience store in the Cwmbwrla area of Swansea on January 8 this year. A known drug-user approached the car, went to an ATM, and then returned to the vehicle before getting in. The police approached the car, and Corey Jones and Lee Rose fled the scene. Jones was caught and found in possession of 61.7g of cocaine and a Nokia phone, which he referred to as “the line.”
Jones and Rose, who had previously pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to supply and being concerned in the supply of cocaine, were both sentenced to four-and-a-half years detention in a young offenders institution by Recorder Paul Lewis KC. Rose had additional driving offences to his name and received nine penalty points on his licence. Despite showing remorse for their actions, the cousins received no separate penalties for the driving offences.
Corey Jones had been involved in the notorious Mayhill riot in 2022 and was given a referral order for his participation. However, in August 2024, he was sentenced to 28 months in a young offenders institution for running a cocaine dealing phone line with his cousin Ben Rose. On the other hand, Lee Rose had received a 27-month sentence in September 2023 for dealing heroin, crack cocaine, and cannabis.
Stuart John, representing Jones, mentioned the lack of support for his client upon his return to the community after his previous sentence, attributing his relapse to the absence of assistance. Similarly, Dan Griffiths, representing Rose, acknowledged that financial gains motivated his client to return to drug dealing and highlighted the influence of his cousin on his actions.
The cousins are likely to serve at least 40 per cent of their sentences before being considered for release on licence, as indicated by Recorder Paul Lewis KC. Despite the guilty pleas from Jones and Rose, their involvement in drug dealing activities underscores the challenges faced by individuals reintegrating into society after serving time for criminal offences. The case serves as a stark reminder of the risks and consequences associated with drug-related criminal activities in communities like Swansea.