Bridgend man jailed after dark web drug haul

A 52-year-old man from Bridgend has been locked up for two years and nine months after admitting to a string of drug offences linked to purchases made on the dark web.

Darren Bishop appeared at Cardiff Crown Court on Friday, February 13, where he pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine, possession with intent to supply MDMA, two counts of possession with intent to supply class A drugs, possession with intent to supply cannabis, and two counts of possession with intent to supply class C drugs.

How the investigation unfolded

South Wales Police launched an investigation in 2021 after receiving intelligence that drugs were being imported into the area. Officers traced the address from intercepted parcels and carried out a search of the property, where they found Bishop present.

What officers discovered

A significant quantity of drugs was recovered from the address. During questioning, Bishop admitted he had purchased the substances on the dark web, claiming they were intended to self-medicate. He told officers he had been passing the remainder to a third party to sell on.

What police said

PC Rhodri Wilson said: “Drug dealers try to hide their activities and will always try to evade officers, but we will investigate every opportunity available to us. This work often takes patience and perseverance, but we will do what is necessary to ensure those who deal drugs are arrested and put before the courts.”

Bishop was sentenced to two years and nine months’ imprisonment.