Matthew Davies, of Dwyfor, Llanelli, was arrested following a routine patrol on Saturday, 13 September, when police community support officers (PCSOs) noticed a grey Ford Transit van being driven by a suspected disqualified driver.
Suspicious Storage Unit Visit
The van disappeared, prompting the PCSOs – who were in an unmarked police car – to search the area. They later found the vehicle parked outside a storage container in the Dafen area of Llanelli.
Suspecting the visit was suspicious, the officers called for assistance from response colleagues. When police arrived, they approached the man – later identified as Matthew ‘Hillbilly’ Davies – as he frantically tried to lock the container.
Davies abandoned the attempt and fled the scene, jumping over a fence and disappearing out of sight.
Drugs and Cash Discovered
Officers searched the open container under Section 17 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, discovering a large quantity of drugs and dealing equipment.
Inside, they found 17 packets of cocaine, around £7,000 worth of cannabis, three weighing scales, three mobile phones, two wallets, and a spoon.
Hidden in the bottom drawer of a cabinet, officers uncovered £46,000 in cash, bundled in £10 and £20 notes.
Arrest and Investigation
Davies handed himself in to police two days later on Monday, 15 September, and was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A and Class B drugs.
The 37-year-old was charged and remanded in custody while officers examined the evidence seized from the lockup.
Among the items analysed were several WhatsApp and Facebook messages found on mobile phones registered to Davies.
A Dyfed-Powys Police drugs expert witness told the court that the messages showed Davies was a known and active drug dealer in the area.
One message read, “What’s the cheapest on half z pal?” – which the expert explained referred to a half-ounce (14 grams) deal of cannabis. Another message said, “Let me know when U active,” a phrase understood to mean when a dealer has drugs available for sale.
The expert concluded that the 17 snap bags of cocaine were packaged for onward supply, far exceeding what could reasonably be considered personal use.
Guilty Plea and Sentencing
Faced with strong evidence, Davies pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply when he appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Monday, 20 October.
He returned to court the following day and was sentenced to three years in prison for drug offences.
Davies also pleaded guilty to possessing criminal property and was ordered to forfeit £46,000 to Dyfed-Powys Police.
Police Praise PCSOs’ Quick Thinking
Detective Constable Steve Thomas, who led the investigation, praised the quick action of the PCSOs involved.
“The quick-thinking of our PCSOs ultimately led us to Davies, allowing us to take another criminal off our streets.
I hope this case shows that we have the means and motivation to investigate and prosecute those who disregard public safety by dealing drugs in our community.
We will continue to take robust action against drugs in our area.”
Discover more from Carmarthenshire News Online
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
