Newport man sentenced over £101k cannabis stash in Risca

A Newport family man has been sentenced after police discovered approximately 17kg of cannabis with a potential street value of £101,000 hidden in a flat above a Risca garage.

Matthew Slater, 40, was arrested following a raid on KB Motors on Commercial Street in Risca, after the business had been linked with drug dealing. Officers initially found only steroids in a fridge at the premises, but subsequently discovered the substantial cannabis haul, along with a small amount of cocaine and £1,000 in cash, in the flat above the garage where Slater was living.

Slater and co-defendant Karl Bridge, 37, of Howe Circle, Ringland, Newport, were both charged with possession with intent to supply cocaine, possession with intent to supply cannabis, and possession of criminal property. Both men spent time in prison on remand following their initial appearance at the magistrates’ court. However, the prosecution later offered no evidence against Mr Bridge, who was cleared of all allegations.

The court heard:

Slater pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply cannabis, possession of criminal property, and simple possession of cocaine. His plea was accepted on the basis that: “The defendant performed a limited function under direction and did not receive a significant financial advantage and did not have any influence on those above him in the chain.”

Rose Glanville, prosecuting, told Newport Crown Court the offences were committed on Tuesday, 25th March. Slater had no previous convictions.

Hilary Roberts, defending, explained that his client was a family man who had turned to using cocaine and cannabis after his relationship broke down and he lost his job. The court heard Slater was being paid just £350 a month to look after the cannabis.

The defendant has since found new employment and financially supports his children, the court was told.

Judge Carl Harrison acknowledged that Slater had played “a lesser role” in the drugs trade, telling him: “You have taken steps to turn your life around and get back on track.”

Slater was sentenced to a 12-month community order, requiring him to perform 300 hours of unpaid work and complete a 10-day rehabilitation activity requirement. He is set to face a proceeds of crime hearing next year.