Cardiff man jailed after cocaine and burner phone found

A 32-year-old man has been sentenced to almost four years behind bars after officers discovered a significant quantity of cocaine during a raid on his home in Cardiff.

The raid

Police executed a search warrant at the property of Jamie Payne on Lon Yr Hen Ysgol, Creigiau, on December 10 last year. During the search, officers recovered £2,000 in cash from inside the home. A subsequent search of his vehicle uncovered 24 individual bags of cocaine, later valued at £1,170. Cannabis was also found at the address, which the court heard was for Payne’s own personal use.

The phone evidence 📱

Prosecutor Rose Glanville told Cardiff Crown Court that a burner phone linked to a known drugs line was seized during the operation. Analysis of the device revealed messages showing Payne had been carrying out one-to-one deals directly with known drug users, confirming his involvement in cocaine supply.

When arrested and interviewed by officers, Payne responded “no comment” throughout questioning.

Previous offending

The court was told Payne has four prior convictions on his record, with the majority relating to motoring offences.

Defence arguments

Defence barrister Emma Harris explained that her client had accumulated a drug debt to others and had turned to dealing as a means of paying it off. She told the court that Payne is the father of a six-year-old daughter and suffers from a number of medical conditions, including COPD and asthma.

Sentencing ⚖️

Payne pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of a class A drug, possession with intent to supply a class A drug, possession of criminal property, and possession of a class B drug.

Recorder Andrew Hammond handed Payne a total sentence of 45 months imprisonment.