Pensioner Jailed for £21k Heroin Dealing Operation

A 70-year-old man has been jailed for 45 months after being caught with enough heroin for 700 street deals worth more than £21,000.

Gareth Evans, of North Street, Dowlais, Merthyr, was stopped by police on 30th January this year whilst driving a Vauxhall Mokka near Merthyr. Officers found five wraps of brown powder in the vehicle, leading to a search of his home.

Ross McQuillan-Johnson, prosecuting, told Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court that the search uncovered £850 in cash, tubs and packages of heroin, weighing scales, and 10 boxes of bromazepam pills. Evans answered “no comment” to all questions in interview.

The court heard Evans had previous convictions for heroin possession with intent to supply in 2013 and simple possession in 2017. Defence barrister Ieuan Bennett said Evans had taken on debts from his new partner’s substance misuse problems, explaining his return to dealing.

Judge Jeremy Jenkins said it was clear Evans was running a “widespread and financially thriving business” from his home. He told the defendant: “You knew from your past experiences about the ruthless nature of people in the drugs world and their pursuit of debts but had still chosen to involve yourself in that world again.”

Evans pleaded guilty to possession of heroin with intent to supply and simple possession of bromazepam. He will serve up to half his sentence in custody before being released on licence.