Kobir Hussain and Mohammed Anees (Image: South Wales Police)
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A young drug dealer who sent bulk text messages to contacts offering to deliver ketamine, cocaine and cannabis to a university campus has been sentenced to four years in a young offenders’ institution.
The first arrest
Kobir Hussain, 20, was first caught in May last year when police on Hanover Street in the Uplands area of Swansea – a street associated with drug-related activity – became suspicious of males sitting in a car.
Officers found a bag on the front seat containing cannabis, a phone, and more than £600 in cash. A search of Hussain’s home also turned up cannabis edibles.
‘Text bombs’ to students
An examination of the defendant’s phone revealed his involvement in supplying cocaine, cannabis and ketamine. Bulk messages – described as “text bombs” – were found in which Hussain spoke about having ketamine and “making a run to the Swansea Bay campus.” Other messages referred to having “my boys about”, seemingly suggesting he had people working for him.
After being questioned, Hussain was released – though Swansea Crown Court heard it was unclear whether he was bailed or released under investigation.
Back to dealing
Prosecutor Sian Cutter told the court Hussain came to police attention again shortly before Christmas when officers stopped a car on St Helen’s Road in Swansea. Hussain was the passenger and the driver was co-defendant Mohammed Anees, 21.
A rucksack belonging to Anees was found in the vehicle containing more than half a kilo of cocaine in various sized packages – including 20 individual ready-to-go deals – along with weighing scales and almost £12,000 in cash.
When searched, Hussain had cannabis, £50, and a phone, while Anees had three one-gram bags of cocaine. A subsequent search of Anees’ home turned up two dozen cannabis vapes worth around £750. Hussain’s phone again contained messages relating to the supply of ketamine, cannabis and cocaine.
Previous convictions
Both defendants had prior convictions for class A drug supply. Hussain had been given a nine-month youth referral order in November 2022 for two offences of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs. Anees had been sentenced to three years’ detention in a young offenders’ institution in April 2023 for offences including possession of class A drugs with intent to supply.
Defence arguments
Dean Pulling, representing Hussain, said the former Bishop Gore School pupil came from a supportive family who had worked hard to integrate into society. He said Hussain had told him that being held on remand had made him realise “what he was missing and the anguish he was causing his family”, adding that Hussain had told him directly: “I’m done with dealing drugs.” The barrister said his client “is young enough to change” and had ambitions to run his own clothing business.
Matt Murphy, for Anees, said his client had been working in a burger restaurant before “issues with drug misuse and supply got the better of him.” He said Anees had spent his time on remand constructively, acting as a listener with the Samaritans and helping to supply food boxes to fellow inmates observing Ramadan.
Sentencing
Judge Paul Thomas KC said that despite their relatively young ages, both defendants had previous convictions for class A drug supply and had returned to the trade knowing the consequences.
Hussain, of Hanover Street, Uplands, Swansea, had pleaded guilty to two counts of being concerned in the supply of cocaine, two counts of being concerned in the supply of ketamine, two counts of being concerned in the supply of cannabis, and two counts of simple possession of cannabis. He was sentenced to four years’ detention in a young offenders’ institution.
Anees, of Henrietta Street, Swansea city centre, had pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to supply and possession of criminal property. He was sentenced to four years in prison.
Both will serve 40% of their sentences in custody before being released on licence.
