Amlwch man jailed for dealing drugs to pay gambling debts

A man’s gambling addiction spiralled into drug dealing after he turned to cocaine and cannabis to pay off mounting debts – but his illegal venture came crashing down when police stopped his car in Amlwch.

Ricky Pritchard, 31, from Maes Llwyn in Amlwch, has been sentenced to 28 months behind bars after admitting possession of Class A and Class B drugs with intent to supply, along with possessing criminal property.

Officers on patrol spotted Pritchard’s silver Ford Mondeo on Mona Street on December 27 last year. When they pulled him over, he told them he’d just dropped items off at a storage container on the town’s industrial estate.

A search of his vehicle uncovered wraps of white powder in plastic bags, green blocks of what turned out to be cannabis resin in a lunchbox, two iPhones, and cash. Police then searched both his home and the storage unit, finding scales, snap bags, more white powder, and additional cash.

The haul proved significant – the cocaine had a potential street value between £8,000 and £12,700, whilst the cannabis resin was worth £500 to £900, bringing the total potential yield to nearly £14,000.

Initially, Pritchard claimed the drugs were for personal use and refused to comment on items found in the container. However, he later pleaded guilty at Caernarfon Crown Court.

His defence barrister, Catherine Elvin, told the court: “He accepts that he was regrettably driven by financial gain. Greed took over and he got caught up in these offences to counteract a gambling addiction.”

She added that Pritchard was genuinely remorseful and had actually felt relieved when arrested. Since being remanded in custody, he’s made positive strides – passing Maths Level 1 and 2, attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, and earning a place on the enhanced status wing.

Her Honour Judge Nicola Jones acknowledged Pritchard’s excellent references whilst sentencing him to 28 months for the cocaine offence and a concurrent eight months for the cannabis charge. All seized drugs and paraphernalia will be destroyed.

Following Pritchard’s guilty plea, District Inspector Wayne Francis of North Wales Police issued a stark warning: “We move into 2026 with a clear message to those who are involved in the supply of drugs on Ynys Mon; you are not welcome here. This is the latest in a series of drug supply cases recently, whereby we have sought a swift resolution, and suspects have been remanded into custody pending a court appearance.”

He confirmed that further operations are planned throughout 2026 as police continue targeting dealers across Anglesey’s communities, urging anyone with concerns about drugs to contact Crimestoppers anonymously.