Drug dealer asked ‘who grassed me up?’ in Cardiff arrest

A drug dealer who tried to flee from police and dumped cocaine asked officers: “Who grassed me up? You knew I’m a banned driver.” ⚖️

Ross Edwards, 45, from Byron Road, Newport, was caught at Capital Shopping Park in Leckwith, Cardiff after police received a tip-off that he was a disqualified driver.

When officers approached him, Edwards made a run for it towards Sloper Road and threw away bags of cocaine before being arrested. The drugs, weighing 1.87g and worth £80, were recovered.

A mobile phone containing drug-related messages was found during a search of his car. Edwards gave a no comment interview when questioned.

He pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply cocaine and driving whilst disqualised. The offences took place on Wednesday, September 17.

Cardiff Crown Court heard Edwards has 29 previous convictions for 56 offences, including possession with intent to supply crack cocaine in 2006, being concerned in cannabis production, dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified, and drink driving. His last conviction was in October 2020 for harassment.

Defence barrister Gareth Williams told the court his client’s life began to unravel after the breakdown of a relationship. Edwards lost his home, left his job and started taking cocaine.

“He knows he has nobody to blame but himself,” Mr Williams added.

Judge Vanessa Francis told Edwards: “The police were tipped off and you tried to run away from them. You were supplying to street users but you were supporting your own habit rather than running your own operation.”

Of the driving matter, she added: “You are not safe to drive – do not drive in the future.”

Edwards was jailed for 28 months and ordered to pay a £228 victim surcharge following his release from custody. Time spent on remand will count towards his sentence.