Drug gang jailed for £5m cocaine operation in Valleys

Four members of an organised crime gang who flooded the Gwent Valleys with cocaine worth £5 million have been jailed for more than 25 years.

The gang was led by serial drug trafficker Corrie Morgan, 28, from Tredegar, who was locked up for eight years and eight months at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court.

His “trusted lieutenant” Reece Dennington, 23, from Blaina, was sent to prison for seven years and four months, whilst John Jenkins, 22, from Tredegar, was jailed for six years and eight months, and Kyle Morris, 38, was imprisoned for three years and three months.

All four pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine.

Dennington was also selling ecstasy and ketamine on his own, the court heard. His offences took place between 1st June 2024 and 18th March this year.

Prosecutor Emily Jermin said of Dennington: “He played a significant role and was a trusted individual to the leader of the organised crime group.”

Ruth Smith, defending Dennington, told the court: “The bulk of the profits were going to Morgan. This defendant wasn’t making large sums of money in respect of this enterprise. He found it difficult to find employment after leaving school where he was bullied.”

The court heard Dennington had been spiked with ketamine by friends, which led to serious mental health consequences.

Miss Smith said: “The defendant became isolated after this. He became involved in drug use. He started with cannabis before escalating into class A drugs and building up a £2,000 debt. Pressure was on him to become involved in the operation to alleviate that debt. The defendant seems highly immature and was associating with a negative peer group which explains his reckless behaviour.”

Judge Jeremy Jenkins told Dennington: “You were a trusted lieutenant who would travel to Birmingham to buy cocaine by the kilo. These drugs were cut down and flooded the Valleys.”

A fifth defendant, Charlie Assirati, 20, of Waen Fawr, Nantyglo, was handed an 18-month sentence, suspended for 18 months, after admitting conspiracy to supply cocaine. He must complete 150 hours of unpaid work and a 10-day rehabilitation activity requirement.

The defendants are due to face a proceeds of crime hearing.