Drug Dealer Jailed for Exploiting Child in Cannabis Operation

A manipulative man who lured a vulnerable child into drug dealing has been sentenced to nine years in prison. Najib Arab, 29, gave the girl free cannabis and food before exploiting her for sex and using her to package and deliver drugs around Cardiff. 🚨

Cardiff Crown Court heard Arab, a refugee from Afghanistan with uncertain age documentation, met the victim when she contacted him on Snapchat looking to buy cannabis. He told her he was 17, though his real age is believed to be between 27 and 33.

Arab gave the girl three free cannabis cigarettes at his bedsit before they had sex, starting what the court described as an exploitative relationship. He collected her in taxis, showed her videos of him assaulting rivals, and made it known he carried a knife.

The defendant then used the girl in his drug operation, teaching her to package cannabis deals and conceal them in her mouth before making deliveries, often transporting her on his electric bike. He even took her to a crack cocaine den.

Police found the victim after she spent three nights at Arab’s property. When officers arrived, Arab fled over a garden fence with two other young girls. He was arrested a week later at Cardiff Central station.

In her victim statement, the girl said Arab initially seemed like he “genuinely cared” for her and provided “food, shelter and drugs.” She added: “I felt I had to give something back” but later realised she was being exploited. She said she felt “worthless and disgusted with myself” and engaged in self-harm, though she is now “in a better place.”

Arab, of Mackintosh Place, Roath, pleaded guilty to supplying cannabis and ketamine, and was convicted of requiring forced labour under the Modern Slavery Act. He has previous convictions for Class A drug dealing.

Judge Lucy Crowther called Arab a “manipulative individual” who used “implied violence” to control the victim. She said his actions had a “very destructive effect” on the teenager and that he continues to blame his young victim.

The judge imposed an extended nine-year sentence – seven years custody plus two years on licence – ruling Arab was a dangerous offender who posed a particular risk to girls under 16. He must serve two-thirds before applying for parole.

Detective Constable Jessica Thomas said after sentencing: “Najib Arab took advantage of a vulnerable child, putting her in dangerous positions for his own profit. His sentencing sends a clear message that child exploitation has no place in south Wales.” 👮‍♀️