David Smith, a 35-year-old wholesale drug dealer, was sentenced to 12 years in prison after police discovered a cache of firearms and illegal drugs, including a synthetic opioid 100 times more potent than heroin. The raid on his shipping container in Tonypandy occurred on January 19.
During the police operation, a stolen Ford EcoSport was spotted trying to escape but rolled backward down an embankment. The driver, Coran Davies, 22, was found with keys to the shipping container, cash, and 28g of cannabis.
Upon searching the container on Wern Street, officers found a bag of pink rocks identified as metonitazene—a highly dangerous synthetic opioid believed to originate from China and sold as “fake heroin.” In addition to this, police seized over 6kg of cannabis trimmings, cutting agents, a hydraulic press, and digital scales.
While Smith attempted to flee in a Range Rover Sport, he was later apprehended as a passenger in another vehicle, where police found cash, a key to the Range Rover, and a balaclava. The Range Rover contained Smith’s ID, two packages of cocaine weighing 55.4g and 41.9g, and more evidence linking him to the drug trade.
Further investigations led to the discovery of two sawn-off shotguns, live ammunition, electric stun guns, and a knuckleduster in a van registered to Smith. His total haul included 97.3g of cocaine, 195g of metonitazene, and £25,371 in cash.
Smith pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including possession of prohibited firearms and intent to supply Class A and B drugs. With a criminal history of 14 previous convictions, he received a harsh sentence reflecting the severity of his crimes.
Davies, who also pleaded guilty to drug offenses, was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for two years, with additional requirements for rehabilitation and community service.
Judge Simon Mills emphasized the seriousness of their operations and the risks involved in their criminal activities.
