CARDIFF, WALES – Two young drug dealers from Cardiff were brought to justice after a hotel housekeeper discovered their drug stash during a routine room inspection.
Keiran McCoy, 20, and Zack Tawton, 21, had checked into the Ibis Cardiff Gate hotel under a false name on September 5, 2024, intending to stay five days. But their stay was cut short after their illicit activities were accidentally exposed on September 7.
While the pair were out, a housekeeper entered the room and found cocaine openly displayed on a dresser, golf ball-sized packages on the floor, and more than 100 grip seal bags of Class A drugs.
Acting quickly, hotel staff captured video footage of the suspicious room and notified police. Before officers arrived, McCoy and Tawton returned, noticed the fresh towels in their room, and quickly decided to check out.
Police arrived just in time to arrest Tawton in the hotel reception, while McCoy fled and was arrested two days later.
Both men denied involvement, but CCTV footage, drug traces on a mug, and a photo on a seized phone showing one of them with the drugs tied them to the operation.
During a raid on Tawton’s Llanishen home, officers found a machete and over £8,000 in cash hidden under a mattress.
In court:
Zack Tawton, of Coed Cochwyn Avenue, admitted to being concerned in the supply of cocaine, acquiring criminal property, and multiple driving offences.
Keiran McCoy, of Bardsey Crescent, also pleaded guilty to drug supply and driving offences, including failing to stop for police during arrest attempts.
Both appeared before Cardiff Crown Court on April 10, where Tawton was sentenced to 3 years in prison and McCoy received 2.5 years.
Their careless mistake and a vigilant housekeeper brought a swift end to their hotel-based drug operation.
