Jack Ryan (Image: South Wales Police)
Last Updated: 21 March 2026
A young drug dealer who used the street name “Rhino” to advertise cocaine through mass text messages has been sentenced to almost three years behind bars.
Jack Ryan, 22, of Kingsland Crescent, Barry, was caught out after police seized a mobile phone during a separate investigation. Officers discovered a string of messages from Ryan offering cocaine for sale, including so-called “text bombs” – bulk messages sent to potential buyers under the name “Rhino”.
The messages
Cardiff Crown Court heard on Friday that the drugs line had operated across three burner phones. The messages included the word “active” – street slang signalling drugs were available – along with pricing for different quantities of cocaine.
The raid
Prosecutor Byron Broadstock told the court that officers raided Ryan’s home in Barry on October 30 last year. During the search, five grip seal bags of white powder were recovered and later confirmed to contain around a gram of cocaine with an estimated street value of £200. Scales bearing cocaine residue, empty grip seal bags, and £140 in cash were also found at the property.
Ryan was arrested and interviewed but gave “no comment” responses throughout.
Defence arguments
He later pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of a Class A drug and possession with intent to supply a Class A drug. The court heard he had one previous conviction for a dissimilar offence.
Defence barrister Peter Donnison told the court his client was still a young man who had been backed by more sophisticated individuals to run the drugs line. He argued Ryan’s own drug use had been the “biggest barrier” and that he had become involved due to his “youth, naivete, and exploitation”.
Sentencing
Recorder Ben Blakemore said: “Drugs ruins people’s lives and communities. Criminal networks and drug supply are utterly ruinous.”
Ryan was sentenced to a total of 33 months imprisonment.
