Tarian, working in collaboration with Gwent Police and Gloucestershire Constabulary, established Operation Allegro to dismantle an organised crime group operating across southern Wales and southwest England.
The group, led by Gloucestershire based Danny Tomlin, were responsible for supplying wholesale amounts Class A drugs, namely cocaine, and Class B drugs, namely cannabis, to a customer base that stretched across southern Wales. Their operation included two sophisticated cannabis factories established within residential properties in Blackwood and Trebanog.
Across July 29 and July 30, 2025, Tarian, supported by Gwent Police and Gloucestershire Constabulary, executed a number of warrants to arrest those involved.
As a result of the strength of the evidence, seven of the defendants pleaded guilty prior to, or during, trial.
On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, sentencing took place at Cardiff Crown Court. The following sentences were handed down:
Danny Tomlin, 40, from Wooton-Under-Edge, Gloucestershire, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine, conspiracy to supply cannabis, and cultivation of cannabis. He has been sentenced to 10-years and 10-months in prison.
Ryan Battersby, 36, from Newport, was found guilty of conspiracy to supply cocaine and conspiracy to supply cannabis at trial. He has been sentenced to six-years in prison.
Louis Maxwell, 39, from Newport, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and conspiracy to supply cannabis. He has been sentenced to six-years in prison.
Ashley Coughlan, 42, from Newport, was found guilty of conspiracy to supply cocaine. He has been sentenced to three-years and nine-months in prison.
David Gorman, 41, from Charfield, South Gloucestershire, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine. He has been sentenced to four-years and four-months in prison.
Jack Griffin, 21, from Newport, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cannabis. He has been sentenced to six-months in prison, which he has already served on remand.
On January 21, 2026, whilst on trial for conspiracy to supply cannabis, Kory Preece, 25, from Caldicot, Monmouthshire, changed his plea to guilty. He has been sentenced to 15-months in prison, suspended for two years. He must carry out 180 hours of unpaid work and complete a 10-day rehabilitation activity.
Christopher Preston, 68, from Nailsworth, Gloucestershire, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and conspiracy to supply cannabis. He has been sentenced to five-years in prison.
Bradley Williams, 38, from Swansea, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cannabis, offering to supply cocaine, offering to supply ketamine, and possession of criminal property. He has been sentenced to five-years and nine-months in prison.
Detective Inspector Vinnie Easton, of Tarian ROCU, said: “This was a large scale, complex investigation into an organised crime group who sought to profit from the misery and harm they brought to our communities.
“I hope these sentences reassure the public of southern Wales that Tarian ROCU is committed to tackling the supply of drugs across our region, and holding those involved to account.
“Anyone with information on those involved in drug supply are encouraged to report via 101. Alternatively, you can report anonymously via Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or completing a form on their website: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/“
Discover more from Carmarthenshire News Online
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
