A Pembrokeshire drug ring was exposed after two police officers on patrol noticed a strong smell of cannabis coming from a home. The resulting bust in Crymych led to the discovery of a cocaine and cannabis network — and last week five men with links to the operation were sentenced.
When the two officers knocked at the property on April 16, 2020, a woman opened the door and the police went upstairs where they found John Miles in a bedroom, along with 296g of cannabis with an estimated value of £3,000. Police later learned through text messages that Miles, 50, was involved in the supply of Class A substance cocaine as well as the Class B drug.
The messages led officers to Daniel Ferman, 32, from Newport in Pembrokeshire. They raided his home and seized cannabis worth around £170, as well as £770 in cash. In a later search of Ferman's home they discovered around £3,500 in cash, including £500 in coins. You can sign up to the WalesOnline crime and punishment newsletter here.
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Police later arrested James Tinker, from Newcastle Emlyn, and searched the 40-year-old's home where they found scales with traces of THC, a psychoactive ingredient of cannabis. They also arrested Ben Goldfuss-Tanner, from Crymych, and found a "small amount" of cannabis as well as weighing scales at the 25-year-old's property, prosecutor Jim Davies told Swansea Crown Court.
Mr Davies said Ferman had been supplying cocaine and cannabis to Miles, who had been supplying cannabis to Tinker and Goldfuss-Tanner, who had both — along with 30-year-old Brian Kerley from Crymych — been supplying the Class B drug to others. Miles also admitted dealing cocaine to a "very small number" of acquaintances.
Miles, of Lower Kingswood in Surrey, pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cannabis and cocaine, as well as possession of cannabis with intent to supply. He has previous convictions for cocaine possession and drug-driving. His barrister Ian Ibrahim said Miles became involved in dealing cocaine because he was taking the drug for severe pain from a back injury.
"He is from the traveller community, and was the subject of bullying and taunting at school," said Mr Ibrahim. "He lost his hair as a teenager and this made his situation even worse. He left school with no qualifications but became a landscape gardener before his injury."
He said the dad-of-four gave up work in 2017 because of the back injury and since being caught dealing he had been prescribed opioids for his pain. Mr Ibrahim said: "He has to accept he was involved in the supply of cocaine to others but it was almost at a subsistence level. It's different from someone who has come from London, Wolverhampton or Birmingham and set up somewhere sending mass texts. He was selling to friends only. The financial advantage was very limited."
Ferman, of Maes Y Mynydd, admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine and cannabis. The former soldier has a previous conviction for drug-driving. His barrister James Hartson said: "He has recently married his wife and they have an 18-month-old daughter, on whom he dotes. His wife is a teacher and has written a reference about the defendant, which includes the effect on him of the substantial delay and stress of the proceedings, which I accept was brought on by himself. He initially used drugs to alleviate stress and mental health issues. He recognises now there were other ways. Every person who has written about him says he has completely changed his lifestyle.
"For four years he served in the British Army. Though he didn't see any active service, he still served the country. He is now on benefits and works voluntarily assisting in a garage."
Kerley, of Clos yr Helyg, pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cannabis. The trained mechanic, who has previous convictions for cannabis and cocaine possession, was struggling with addiction when he started dealing but now has a "supportive" partner, said his barrister Dyfed Thomas.
Tinker, of Parc y Trap Road, admitted being concerned in the supply of cannabis. Dean Pulling, mitigating, said his client bought cannabis from Miles "for personal use" but accepted there were times when he supplied "friends and associates", largely to fund his own use.
And Goldfuss-Tanner, of Crymych, also admitted being concerned in the supply of cannabis. David Singh, mitigating, told the court: "His employer speaks very highly of him. He was an entrenched cannabis user who did on occasion supply a close circle of friends. He has no other convictions or cautions at the age of 25."
Judge Catherine Richards jailed Ferman for two years and four months, and Miles for two years and three months. Kerley received a 41-week prison term suspended for 18 months as well as 100 hours of unpaid work and 30 days of rehabilitation. Tinker must complete 100 hours of unpaid work and 10 days of rehabilitation, while Goldfuss-Tanner was handed 50 hours of unpaid work. You can read more of the latest Welsh court news here.
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