A West Wales organised crime gang responsible for sourcing and distributing large quantities of cannabis – including shipments from the US – has been dismantled, with three key figures jailed following a major investigation.
Cross-Border Cannabis Operation
Swansea Crown Court heard that Daniel Drabble, 38, of Y Ferwig, Cardigan, led the operation, sourcing cannabis both from the US and the UK. Drabble “directed, organised, and participated in” the drug distribution network, which spread across West Wales.
Customs officers intercepted a US-bound package in summer 2022, declared as a mixed martial arts helmet but containing 32 parcels of cannabis destined for Ceredigion. During a search of Drabble’s home, police also seized phones, cash, and a one-kilo silver bar. Messages on the devices revealed the scale of the network and the involvement of others, while a cryptocurrency wallet used by Drabble was later identified as part of the gang’s laundering operation.
Despite being released under investigation, Drabble resumed his cannabis dealings, highlighting the persistence of the network.
Gang Roles and Co-Defendants
Ian Biddyr, 47, of Gwbert Road, Cardigan, acted as Drabble’s trusted lieutenant. He stored multi-kilo quantities of cannabis and laundered around £200,000 through his bank account. Officers found a suitcase containing cannabis worth nearly £49,000 in the boot of his car.
Ashley Williams, 40, of Pontarddulais, handled cannabis packages from the US, converted cash into cryptocurrency, and forwarded funds to Drabble. Court heard he mocked police during questioning, “quacking like a duck.”
Gareth Hinrichs, 27, Aberystwyth, purchased kilos of cannabis from the gang and supplied it to his own street-level network.
Beth McCarthy, 25, Maesycrugiau, acted as a courier, delivering cocaine to Aberystwyth on two occasions under Biddyr’s instructions.
Officers also discovered a hidden suitcase in woodland near Mwnt, Ceredigion, containing almost 6 kg of cannabis labeled with US-style dates, confirming its overseas origin.
Court Proceedings
Drabble, Biddyr, and Williams had previously pleaded guilty to offences including conspiracy to supply cannabis, money laundering, and evading import restrictions. Hinrichs and McCarthy were also convicted for their roles in the operation.
Defence Statements
Drabble’s lawyer highlighted his difficult upbringing and expressed remorse for the impact of his conviction on his family. Biddyr’s counsel noted that he had turned to the cannabis network during the Covid pandemic after losing his HGV licence, but has since regained work and overcome his addiction.
Police Reaction
The case underscores the cross-border scale of cannabis trafficking in West Wales, the use of cryptocurrencies for money laundering, and the persistence of organised criminal networks despite police intervention.
