Organised Crime Group convicted following proactive investigation led by Tarian ROCU

An organised crime group has been convicted following a proactive investigation led by Tarian, the Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU) for southern Wales.

Eleven people, aged between 24 and 44, were convicted of Conspiracy to supply Class ‘B’ Controlled Drugs and Conspiracy to Import Cannabis after their operation was uncovered.

The ROCU investigation found the group – headed up by 28-year-old Abubakr Khawar – sourced wholesale cannabis from America to sell in the UK between November 9, 2022 and December 9, 2024. The cannabis was shipped over using parcel delivery services and was concealed in vacuum packs, disguised as items such as clothing and toys to avoid detection.

The parcels were then delivered to addresses – overseen by 28-year-old Mohammed Hussain – across south Wales, with recruited individuals paid between £50 and £200 to receive them.

Following Tarian’s investigations, it’s estimated the gang was generating daily sales of over £10,000, and importing approximately 23 kilos of cannabis each week. Parcels intercepted by Border Force were estimated to be worth between £7.5 million and £11.2 million.

On December 9, 2024, Tarian, supported by South Wales Police and British Transport Police, executed a number of warrants to arrest those involved.

The following members pleaded guilty to of Conspiracy to supply Class ‘B’ Controlled Drugs and Conspiracy to Import Cannabis:

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• Abubakr Khawar, aged 28, of Riverside, Cardiff, pleaded on March 19, 2025

• Daniel Marshall, aged 40, of Treharris, Merthyr Tydfil, pleaded on April 4, 2025

• Andrew Pethers, aged 36, of St Melons, Cardiff, pleaded on May 13, 2025

• Sophie Jones, aged 32, of Splott, Cardiff, pleaded on May 23, 2025

• Kyle Solowyk, aged 29, of Barry, pleaded on May 23, 205

• Ceiron Jones, aged 28, of Whitchurch, Cardiff, pleaded on May 1, 2025

• Solomon Bertram, aged 36, of Llanishen, Cardiff, pleaded on March 19, 2025

They were all remanded into custody to await a sentencing date.

Mohammed Nurul Hussain, aged 28, of Cardiff, and Abdu Huriara Husain, aged 28, of Leckwith, Cardiff pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to supply Class ‘B’ Controlled Drugs on March 19, 2025, and May 23rd, 2025, respectively. During a trial for Conspiracy to Import Cannabis, both changed their pleas to guilty on June 5, 2025, and were remanded to prison pending sentencing.

Sean Montgomery, aged 24, of Rumney, Cardiff, and Steven Munroe, aged 44, of Riverside, Cardiff, pleaded not guilty to both offences. Following a trial at Newport Crown Court, they were found guilty of both offences today (June 11).

Sentencing is due to commence on September 10, 2025.

Detective Constable Sean Meyrick, of Tarian ROCU, said:

“I welcome the verdicts reached today, and await the outcome of the sentencing hearing.

“I would like to thank Border Force for their assistance in this investigation, and colleagues at Tarian and our constituent forces.”