Newport Dealer Gets 9 Years After 80mph Police Chase

A cocaine and heroin dealer from Newport who sped away from officers who spotted him driving on cloned plates has received a nine-year prison sentence. 🚔

Lee Thomas, 32, appeared at Cardiff Crown Court on Friday 25 July after admitting two counts of possession with intent to supply a class A drug, driving a motor vehicle dangerously and driving whilst disqualified.

Officers from Gwent Police Roads Policing and Specialist Operations unit became aware of Thomas driving a purple Mercedes on cloned plates after the defendant was spotted driving along Malpas Road in May.

Travelling in an unmarked police car, officers followed Thomas along Pentre Lane in Cwmbran, reaching speeds of around 80mph before the Mercedes was found upside down in a country lane.

Thomas was not found inside the car when officers arrived, prompting a search involving the National Police Air Service (NPAS) and dog handlers. He was found hiding among the trees and following a search by officers, he had 51 wraps of crack cocaine as well as amounts of heroin in a bag close to him leading to his arrest.

Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Edwards, whose team led the investigation, said: “It is incredible to think that despite this level of horrific and irresponsible driving that no members of the public or motorists, including Thomas himself, were injured.

“Once the chase ended and Thomas was found after trying to hide from officers, a substantial amount of drugs were found in his possession.

“It is dealers like Thomas whose activities by supplying drugs ruin countless lives across Gwent and we’re committed to protecting our communities from the devastating impact and often sees the exploitation vulnerable members of society.”

Thomas was jailed for nine years and two months and he will be disqualified from driving for seven years and seven months. He will also be required to pass an extended driving test if he reapplies for a licence. ⚖️