Drug gang hit with confiscation orders after cocaine probe

Drug dealers convicted in a major south Wales cocaine trafficking operation are being forced to hand over tens of thousands of pounds in ill-gotten gains – but one gang member’s payout has hit an unexpected snag.

Members of an organised crime group that flooded the region with cocaine during Operation Manfern have been hit with confiscation orders at Swansea Crown Court, with authorities seizing both cash and proceeds from asset sales.

However, Dean Williams, 52, from Dynevor Road in Skewen, faces a delay in his confiscation proceedings after investigators discovered serious subsidence problems at one of his properties. A specialist surveyor must now examine and value the building before any order can be finalised, the court heard.

Williams, who was jailed in 2024 as part of the police investigation, has been found to have benefited from criminal activity to the tune of £293,963. But the assessment of what he actually has available to pay must wait for the surveyor’s report.

Three other gang members weren’t so fortunate. Jay Picton, of Peniel Green Road, Birchgrove, Swansea, benefited by £720,636 from his crimes and must hand over £43,053 in available assets. Kyle Johansen, of Ffynon Caeconna, Portmead, Swansea, benefited by £318,353 and faces losing £43,365. Meanwhile Liam Davies, of Gors Avenue, Townhill, Swansea, benefited by £8,812 and must pay £1,688.

The court gave all three defendants just three months to cough up the cash – or they’ll be staring down additional prison time.