Pontypridd Drug Dealer Jailed for Four Years in Police Sting

A 31-year-old Pontypridd man has been sentenced to four years in prison following his conviction for drugs offences as part of Operation Laquer, which targets class A drug supply operations in the Pontypridd and Rhondda area. ⚖️

Michael Parfitt, of Llantrisant Road, Graig, was spotted by officers on patrol in Cae Fadre, Church Village, on Thursday 1st May 2025, along with two associates. All three fled but were apprehended shortly afterwards on playing fields near Llantwit Fadre Sports Centre.

During his arrest, Parfitt was found in possession of an Apple iPhone, a Nokia mobile phone with two SIM cards, and yellow wrapping containing two white tablets. Messages on the iPhone revealed his involvement in crack cocaine sales.

A subsequent search of his home address uncovered a plastic bag containing unknown tablets in the kitchen cupboard, digital scales, four tubs of bicarbonate of soda, cannabis in a clear zip lock bag, white powder in yellow wrapping, a burner phone without a battery, and a smashed iPhone containing further drug-related messages. 📱

Detective Sergeant Lia Jones said: “This operation clearly indicates a significant effort by South Wales Police to address drug trafficking in the area. The evidence collected during the searches, along with the communications from the mobile devices, played a crucial role in convicting Michael Parfitt.”

Parfitt was sentenced to 48 months in prison at Cardiff Crown Court on Friday 30th May.