Following an investigation by the Cardiff and Vale serious organised crime (SOC) team, three men have been convicted of drug offences.
The trio were arrested on 4 March 2026, before being sentenced to a total of over 17 years in a young offender institution.
Lewis Hannay, aged 20, of Dinas Powys, pleaded guilty to conspire to supply a class A controlled drug – crack cocaine – and conspire to require person(s) to perform forced or compulsory labour. He was sentenced to six years and nine months in a young offender institution.
Smyler Tucker, aged 20, of Splott, pleaded guilty to conspire to supply a class A controlled drug – crack cocaine – conspire to require person(s) to perform forced or compulsory labour, and possess with intent to supply a controlled drug of class B – cannabis. He was sentenced to six years in a young offender institution.
Muhammad Gulzar, aged 20, of Butetown pleaded guilty to conspire to supply a class A controlled drug – crack cocaine – conspire to require person(s) to perform forced or compulsory labour, and possess with intent to supply a controlled drug of class B – cannabis. He was sentenced to five years and three months in a young offender insitution.
Detective Chief Inspector Tim Jones said:
“These men were found not only with drugs and the tools to distribute this within our communities, but the financial profits of this activity, all of which has been seized.
“Not only were these men dealing drugs in our community, but they looked to exploit a young teenage boy to take the risks of distributing their drugs, while they reaped the financial rewards.
“This was an extensive investigation by the Serious Organised Crime team which left Hannay, Tucker, and Gulzar, no choice but to plead guilty. Tackling organised crime is a priority for South Wales Police and we will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of criminals to protect communities from harm.
“If you suspect drug dealing is taking place or you are concerned that a young person or vulnerable child or adult may have been targeted by an organised crime group, please tell us. You don’t have to be certain, just concerned.”
It is vital that we increase awareness of child exploitation and encourage the public to be our eyes and ears to recognise the signs.
We urge anyone with any concerns about how someone is being treated to call the UK modern slavery and exploitation helpline on 08000 121 700 or online https://www.modernslaveryhelpline.org/
Or you can make a report to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or police on 101 or if a crime is happening now or someone is in immediate danger, call 999.
For more information on the signs of child exploitation go to Child criminal exploitation | Child abuse | South Wales Police