A budding entrepreneur used his "significant business acumen" to create a "one stop shop" for illegal drugs, a court has heard.
Mohammed Skaiky, 26, was nabbed in October, 2022, with a large quantity of drugs, including cocaine, cannabis, ketamine, ecstasy and LSD, reports Wales Online.
His mother and sister sobbed as the "intelligent young man" was sentenced on Tuesday, June 6, at Swansea Crown Court.
The court heard how cops attended a block of flats in Swansea and forced open the door to Skaiky's ground floor flat.
The prosecutor explained: "This defendant stood in the hallway looking panicked before running from officers into the back garden, where he was arrested."
Upon searching some Deliveroo and Lidl bags, and Skaiky's Vauxhall Astra, officers discovered 203g of cocaine, 100g of cannabis, 86g of ecstasy, 24g of ketamine and 24 LSD tablets.
The police officers also seized more than £4,000 in cash, plus weighing scales and grip seal bags.
Further analysis of the defendants phone showed he had been involved in the wholesale and street supply of illegal substances for over a year.
"In short, it's evident from the messages that he represented a one stop shop," said the prosecutor.
Skaiky pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of the Class A, B and C drugs and acquiring criminal property in the form of cash, clothing and trainers.
He has been in prison for the last seven months, but he has now forged plans for a "legitimate online business", said his lawyer Mr Evans.
Mr Evans said Skaiky's sister, who sat in the public gallery, had presented screenshots of notes outlining the defendant's business plans.
"It is evident he is an intelligent young man capable of significant business acumen, but so far his business acumen has been in an unlawful and wholly unacceptable trade," the lawyer added.
"His mother, who also sits in court, has thought long and hard about how her son comes to be here for such serious matters. She will say she bears some responsibility and she will say his father bears some responsibility."
Judge Paul Thomas KC interjected, saying that the responsibility lay with the defendant, but Mr Evans continued: "However, he himself accepts responsibility for [dealing drugs], initially because he was trying to earn money to improve the family situation. There was significant family debt as a result of decisions made by other persons. His actions have caused far, far more difficulties than they ever would have caused solutions."
The judge told Skaiky he had been "prolific" in "putting these filthy substances on the street" but praised the "articulate and moving" letters submitted by the defendant and his family, showing an "apparent determination to put your life on a better track on your release from prison". As the judge imposed a jail term of three years and four months, Skaiky's mother and sister broke down in tears. Skaiky, who had attended via a video link from prison, did not react other than to stare downwards.
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