Drug dealer Luke Cooper, 29, and his accomplice Jade Ali, 35, were caught with £2,000 worth of cocaine in their possession after being seen involved in a drug deal in Treforest, Pontypridd. The pair was stopped by police in Ali’s Hyundai vehicle on January 16th, leading to a discovery of a class A drug in their possession. Luke Cooper was found with 21g of cocaine, worth £1,260, a significant amount of cash, scales with white residue, and further drugs like cannabis in a black bag. Additionally, a zip lock bag containing 140g of cocaine worth £840 and more cash were found in their possession.
Further searches at their residences revealed more incriminating evidence. Cooper’s home yielded three separate amounts of cannabis valued at just under £100, as well as drug paraphernalia. Ali’s home had zip lock bags and digital scales. Investigations into the pair’s phones revealed their involvement in supplying cocaine and ketamine between July 2024 and January 2025, with Cooper specifically identified in six instances of supplying cocaine.
During the sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court, Cooper admitted to offences including possession with intent to supply cocaine, being involved in the supply of cocaine and ketamine, and possession of cannabis. Ali also admitted to similar charges, with her defence revolving around being a cocaine user herself who sold the drug to acquaintances to support her habit. Judge Richard Kember addressed Cooper’s motivations, citing his debt due to drug use and concern for his family as factors driving his criminal activities.
As a consequence of their crimes, Cooper was sentenced to 39 months in prison, while Ali received a 24-month prison sentence suspended for 24 months. She was also ordered to perform 120 hours of unpaid work, undergo five months of trial monitoring, and a 15-day rehabilitation activity requirement. The court proceedings shed light on the impact of drug-related crimes on individuals and their families, emphasizing the need for stringent measures to combat drug trafficking and abuse.
The case serves as a reminder of the vigilance required in tackling drug-related offences within communities. The cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the judicial system is paramount in holding individuals accountable for their actions and ensuring that appropriate consequences are meted out. By addressing the root causes of drug-related crimes and providing support for rehabilitation, society can work towards creating safer environments for all individuals.
Efforts to curb drug trafficking and consumption must be continuous and comprehensive, involving a multi-faceted approach that targets prevention, enforcement, and rehabilitation. The legal actions taken against Cooper and Ali send a clear message about the repercussions of engaging in drug-related activities. It is crucial for communities to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing such issues to safeguard public health and safety.