Drug Dealer Who Sold to Teen Ordered to Repay £57k

A 26-year-old drug dealer has been ordered to pay back £57,000 despite making over £72,000 from his illegal activities. Evan Sawdon was spotted by police officers pulling into a Filco car park in Caerau, Maesteg, and dealing cocaine to a teenage boy.

The incident occurred on June 7 last year when Sawdon drove his Skoda to the location and was witnessed by officers from South Wales Police’s Mid Glamorgan organised crime unit speaking to and selling cocaine to a 16-year-old boy.

Both Sawdon and the teenager were arrested at the scene. At the time of arrest, a woman and infant were also present in Sawdon’s vehicle.

Before being taken into custody, Sawdon attempted to destroy two phones by smashing them, but officers managed to secure the devices. A search of his person revealed cocaine and cash hidden in his gilet.

When police searched the defendant’s home, they discovered £22,000 in cash and 87g of cocaine with a street value of almost £9,000.

The investigation revealed that the 16-year-old’s phone contained Snapchat messages showing Sawdon had arranged to sell cocaine to the teen.

Sawdon later pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply Class A and B drugs, supplying Class A drugs, and possession of criminal property. He received a 33-month prison sentence at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on November 19 last year.

Following the sentencing, Sergeant Lia Jones from the Mid Glamorgan organised crime unit said: “Evan Sawdon was responsible for the supply of a significant amount of drugs to people in the area including children. His lack of regard for all those around him and also the community in which he lived has landed him a lengthy prison sentence which will now keep him away from all the things he took for granted and should have valued.”

At a recent Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) hearing held at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court, it was determined that Sawdon had benefited from his criminal activities to the tune of £72,444, though his available assets were valued at only £57,206.

Judge Jeremy Jenkins ordered the defendant to pay £57,206 within three months or face an additional 18 months imprisonment in default.