Barry Drug Dealer Jailed After Mocking Benefits System on Camera

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Iestyn Raven (Image: South Wales Police)

Last Updated: January 16, 2025

A drug dealer who filmed himself mocking Universal Credit while flashing cash has been jailed after running a major drug operation in Barry, South Wales.

Footage revealed Iestyn Raven, 24, sarcastically claiming “I am struggling I am for money right now” whilst displaying bundles of drug money to the camera.

The leader of the ‘Ronnie and Reggie’ drug line was caught after police spotted him on CCTV topping up phone credit. Officers later arrested him at a McDonald’s drive-through in Barry on September 30.

A search of his residence uncovered crack cocaine, heroin, cash, and luxury designer clothing. The drug phone under investigation was found in his bedside drawer.

Raven pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine, plus acquiring criminal property. He was sentenced to 40 months in prison at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Thursday, 16 January.

Detective Inspector Tim Jones said: “Iestyn Raven was making a substantial amount of money from his drug dealing and living a life of relative luxury at the expense of others. His contemptuous disregard for the damage he was causing is plain to see – he certainly isn’t laughing now and he deserves to be in prison where he can reflect on the path he chose for himself and the misery he has inflicted through his drug dealing. Rest assured we will be using the Proceeds of Crime Act to ensure he doesn’t benefit from any ill-gotten gains when he is released.”

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