Newport dealer jailed for drugs hidden in nappy operation

A Newport drug dealer who tried to evade police by running through the streets has been sent back to prison after officers discovered a substantial haul of Class A and B drugs – including crack cocaine concealed inside a nappy.

Luke Montgomery, 23, received an eight-year and four-month sentence at Cardiff Crown Court on Tuesday after admitting a string of serious drug offences. The court heard he was already on licence from a previous conviction when he committed these crimes.

The case began when Gwent Police responded to reports of a man carrying a knife on Caerleon Road, Newport, on Friday 26 September last year. Officers spotted Montgomery matching the description and gave chase as he fled, narrowly missing a passing car before he was cornered and arrested nearby.

During searches of Montgomery and his property, officers uncovered a staggering drugs operation. They recovered 5.7kg of heroin, 239.8g of cocaine, and 280g of cannabis – with a total street value of £196,900. More than £37,000 in cash was also seized, along with mobile phones used in his dealing activities. A machete Montgomery had discarded during the chase was found hidden underneath a parked car.

Among the shocking discoveries was crack cocaine stuffed into a nappy in an apparent attempt to conceal it from police.

Montgomery pleaded guilty to three counts of possession with intent to supply heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine, as well as possession of a knife in a public place, being concerned in the supply of cocaine, possession of cannabis, and possessing criminal property.

Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Edwards, of Gwent Police, said: “Montgomery tried to evade our officers, but he could not escape from the sheer volume of his offending after he and his property were searched. Following his swift arrest, vast amounts of cash and 5.7kg heroin, 239.8g cocaine and 280g cannabis, including some stuffed into a nappy, were found by officers. When faced with overwhelming evidence gathered by the investigative team, Montgomery had nowhere to turn but to admit to these serious offences, resulting in the defendant entering early guilty pleas. It is disappointing to see any defendant back before the court so soon after their previous sentence was heard, but there can be no excuses for anyone who continues to offend while on licence. We’re grateful to the support of our communities whose valuable information helps us bring people who only seek to profit from the vulnerable by supplying drugs to justice.”

The court heard Montgomery had only recently been jailed for three years in December 2024 as part of Operation Grandale, making his return to drug dealing whilst on licence particularly concerning to authorities.