On Friday 24 July, PC Guto Jenkins, from the service’s Community Action Team (CAT), was on patrol at Spytty Retail Park, Newport, as part of Operation Krypton when he spotted Matthew Ahern speaking to a man in a wheelchair, with both looking into the defendant’s hands before making an apparent exchange.
Ahern, 47, attempted to cycle off when he was alerted to officers’ presence but was soon apprehended by PC Jenkins as he tried to weave through parked vehicles at the retail park.
Detained under section 23 of the Misuse of drugs Act, Ahern was then searched by officers who found crack cocaine stashed inside a yellow Kinder Surprise Egg.
In total, the defendant was found to be carrying 24g of the class A drug which had a potential street value of between £2,200 and £3,300.
Ahern, of Moorland Park in Newport, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of class A – crack cocaine.
He was sentenced to 42 months at Cardiff Crown Court on Monday 24 August.
Inspector Laura Paget, who leads the CAT, said:
“Ahern, who was on licence for similar past offences, was detained by officers and arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A drugs – something he later pleaded guilty to.
“This result highlights the proactive work our Community Action Team carries out every day to identify, disrupt and bring offenders to justice. Our officers are unwavering in their commitment to safeguarding the public and protecting our communities from the harm caused by illegal drugs.
“By removing these substances from our streets, we are not only taking drugs out of circulation but also reducing the associated crime, exploitation and anti-social behaviour that can have a devastating impact on local people.
“We will continue to target those involved in the supply of illegal drugs and ensure Newport remains a hostile environment for those who seek to profit from criminality.”
Anyone with information about suspected drug dealing or other criminal activity in their community is encouraged to report it to Gwent Police via the website, by calling 101, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Information from the public plays a vital role in helping officers disrupt criminal networks, remove drugs from our streets and keep communities safe.
