Newport, Wales — A man who funded a lavish lifestyle with trips to Dubai and luxury accommodation has been sentenced to 56 months in prison after being caught with more than £48,000 worth of class A drugs.
Jerome Samuels, 31, broke down in tears as Cardiff Crown Court heard how he was a high-level drug supplier involved in distributing large quantities of heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine.
On January 26, Samuels was stopped by Gwent Police in Newport after officers recognized him exiting a Vauxhall Insignia. A search of the vehicle and his person led to the discovery of £5,650 in cash and a key to another car, a Volkswagen Tiguan.
That second vehicle was traced to Maesglas Crescent, where police uncovered JD Sports bags in the boot containing:
205g of crack cocaine valued at £20,020
651g of heroin valued between £16,740 and £22,266
491g of cocaine worth approximately £12,000
Prosecutor Tabitha Walker explained that Samuels’ mobile phone contained messages and voice notes linking him directly to the supply chain, referencing large quantities of controlled substances.
Samuels, of Monnow Way, Bettws, pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with intent to supply class A drugs and possession of criminal property. His criminal record includes 13 previous convictions, one for drug possession.
His defence, Julia Cox, argued that Samuels had become addicted to cocaine and cannabis, falling into debt with drug dealers who forced him into dealing.
The court heard that Samuels, a father of four, was remanded in custody at the time of his grandmother’s death, which he could not attend. Judge Celia Hughes acknowledged his family ties but emphasized the risks he knowingly took by engaging in serious drug trafficking.
“You knew the risks and chose to continue despite having a family,” Judge Hughes told him. “You lived a lavish lifestyle that came at the cost of serious criminal activity.”
After sentencing, PC Thomas Meazey of Gwent Police stated:
“Jerome Samuels funded an extravagant lifestyle through his criminal activity. Drug crime causes lasting harm, and we hope this sentence serves as a warning that no one is above the law.”
