Robert Andrews Jr, 34, appeared to be a regular family man living in a modest home. But behind this facade, he was the mastermind of a large-scale drug operation selling cocaine and heroin across South Wales.
Police only noticed Andrews Jr after discovering incriminating WhatsApp messages on the phone of another gang leader, Kerry Evans. These messages hinted at large drug deals worth hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Covert surveillance revealed Andrews Jr conducting brazen daytime drug exchanges in secluded locations, including a woodland clearing near the M4 motorway. Here, he and his associates met to exchange large quantities of high-purity cocaine worth hundreds of thousands of pounds.
One notable arrest during the investigation was Mohammed Yamin, a taxi driver caught transporting 2kg of cocaine with a street value of around £200,000.
Andrews Jr used clever methods to verify payments, such as checking unique serial numbers on banknotes to authenticate cash runners delivering hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Despite his criminal activity, Andrews Jr did not flaunt wealth through flashy cars or clothes. However, police later found he was investing drug proceeds in a luxury home with high-end furnishings.
In a dawn raid just before Christmas 2023, officers arrested Andrews Jr, who appeared unfazed as he was taken into custody. His phone held critical evidence of his drug supply network and financial transactions totaling hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Andrews Jr pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply and actual supply of Class A drugs. In early 2025, he was sentenced to 14 years and 8 months in prison.
Several members of his organised crime group, including significant figure Samuel Takahashi, also received lengthy prison sentences.
Police hope this case sends a strong message that drug crime will not be tolerated and will be met with serious consequences.
