"the wholesale supply of cocaine."
Abdul Ali, aged 21, of Newport, Wales, was jailed for six years for drug dealing and boasting about how much cash he was making on Snapchat.
It was heard that Ali was “revelling” in his work supplying cocaine to people in Cwmbran, which borders Newport.
The prosecutor, Ruth Smith, explained that there were Snapchat videos on Ali’s phone, showing him counting large sums of money and posing with drugs.
Ali had sold approximately five kilograms of cocaine and was owed £14,000 by debtors who were found on a tick list.
Miss Smith told Newport Crown Court:
“A drugs warrant was executed at the defendant’s home at 6 am on August 17.
“He was found asleep in a bedroom upstairs.”
At his home, police found 9.8g of cocaine in separate wraps worth £1,070 as well as a couple of hundred pounds in cash.
Miss Smith added: “They also found two mobile phones.
“One contained 415 drug-related messages and the other had so many messages it has been impossible to count them definitely.
“It is clear from them that the defendant had a managerial role and there are conversations about the wholesale supply of cocaine.
“There is the expectation of significant financial gain.”
Miss Smith went on to say that there was also a video on the mobile phone showing what appeared to be an example of ‘cuckooing’.
It is a term used by the police to describe the homes of addicts being taken over and used as bases for drug dealing.
Ali admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine and cannabis between September 9, 2019, and August 18, 2021.
Stuart John, representing Ali, asked the court to give him credit for guilty pleas.
His lawyer claimed that his client was an “immature” 21-year-old.
He said: “He acted as if this was a joke.
“He has expressed genuine remorse. He has brought shame on his family.”
Mr John said that his client has learning difficulties, adding:
“There is probably a degree of manipulation by his peers.”
Judge Richard Williams told Mr John:
“The photo and videos from his phone appear to show him revelling in the role.”
He said to Ali: “You played a significant role in your operation.”
Ali was sentenced to six years in prison. He is set to face a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing at a later date.
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