A drug dealer claiming to be in Mumbles for innocent purposes such as having a drink, smoking, and enjoying the sea air, was actually caught dealing Class A drugs in the area, a court in Swansea heard. Hakim Collace and Alex Amanuel were discovered to be part of an organised crime group trafficking drugs in the region.
The court was informed that Amanuel, who was dealing drugs in Swansea, was on parole at the time following a previous conviction for similar offences in Lincolnshire. The police received a tip-off about possible drug dealing at the Matthew Street flats, leading to the arrest of Collace and Amanuel after they were spotted in a vehicle near Mumbles Road.
A search of Amanuel’s residence revealed 118g of crack cocaine, 4.2g of heroin, £940 in cash, and drug paraphernalia. A seized phone, known as the “Tesco Petroleum” line, was found to have been sending bulk messages to drug users in the weeks prior. Amanuel remained silent during his police interview, while Collace claimed he was in Swansea for an “open day” and in Mumbles for leisure activities.
Amanuel, 30, pleaded guilty to various drug-related charges and was sentenced to 44 months in prison. His criminal history included prior convictions for trafficking drugs in a county lines operation. Collace, 26, was convicted at trial and sentenced to three years in prison, with no discount for a guilty plea.
The defendants’ lawyers presented mitigation arguments, highlighting their clients’ backgrounds and limited involvement. Amanuel had completed courses while in remand, aiming to address health and business issues. Collace’s positive progress in prison was noted, indicating his willingness to tackle substance misuse problems.
Judge Huw Rees criticised the defendants for selfishly distributing drugs in a community they were not part of, disregarding the harm caused. Amanuel’s immediate imprisonment and Collace’s half-sentence followed by community-based supervision were the court’s decisions.
The case sheds light on the persistent issue of county lines drug operations infiltrating communities and the damaging consequences of drug trafficking. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts needed to combat drug-related crimes and safeguard communities from such activities.