Cardiff dealer jailed after cannabis and Class A drug raids

A Cardiff man who ran a drug dealing operation from his home has been jailed after police raids uncovered hundreds of pounds worth of cannabis and evidence he was supplying crack cocaine and cocaine across the city.

The first raid

Officers executed a search warrant at Louis Moates’ home in Hollybush, Whitchurch, on 25th August 2023. The 28-year-old was detained and handed over his phone’s pin code before police searched the property.

They discovered 122g of cannabis worth between £660 and £960, along with weighing scales, a grinder, plastic bags containing pills, and a quantity of cash.

Caught again 10 months later

On 20th June 2024, police returned to raid Moates’ address for a second time. His partner was home alone and let officers inside.

This search uncovered 148.3g of cannabis valued between £790 and £1,530, plus 143 codeine tablets and 141 diazepam tablets. Zip lock bags, cash, and scales were also seized.

Moates was arrested at his workplace and taken into custody.

Messages revealed Class A supply network

Examination of two mobile phones revealed the true extent of Moates’ drug dealing enterprise. Messages showed he was involved in supplying crack cocaine and cocaine to customers.

Prosecutors told Newport Crown Court on Friday that police found a tick list and communications with drug runners working under him. His Telegram account contained messages with an upstream supplier who posted drugs to both his father’s and partner’s addresses.

Sentencing

Moates pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs, possession with intent to supply Class B drugs, and possession of Class C drugs. He has no previous convictions.

Defence barrister Cora Sorenson told the court her client had spent significant periods living homeless, which coincided with his offending.

Recorder Ben Blakemore sentenced Moates to 187 weeks imprisonment.