Teen told dad he got ‘buzz’ from dealing drugs in Swansea

A teenage boy recruited to run drugs across Swansea told his father he was “doing it for the buzz” as well as for money, a court has heard.

Leo Rees was just 16 when he was brought into Ahmed Raza’s cocaine, cannabis and ketamine operation, working as a runner for the so-called “JJ line” that targeted users across the city.

Police began investigating the drug line in July 2024 after discovering text messages on a known user’s phone offering “white” – street slang for cocaine. When they obtained data for the JJ number, they uncovered a substantial dealing operation using bulk texts and social media to reach customers.

The breakthrough came when worried parents from Sketty contacted officers about their son’s behaviour. A search of Rees’ bedroom uncovered 47 individual cocaine deals, 20 grams of ketamine and cannabis. His phone revealed the full extent of Raza’s control over the younger boy.

Messages showed Raza had “employed” Rees and was actively “instructing” him on the business. In some exchanges, Raza criticised the teenager for not starting work early enough and warned him others could take his place.

One particularly revealing conversation saw Rees’ father directly ask if he was selling drugs. The teen’s response laid bare his motivation for getting involved in the dangerous trade.

Prosecutors said the relationship between the two warranted a modern slavery assessment under the National Referral Mechanism, which came back positive – though authorities still proceeded with charges.

Raza, now 19, of Ceri Road, Townhill, pleaded guilty to supplying cocaine, cannabis and ketamine. His barrister described an “extremely challenging upbringing to say the least”, including cannabis misuse from age 15, moving into supported accommodation at 16, and being stabbed. He’s now working towards a site safety card for construction work.

Rees, now 18, of Lon Masarn, Tycoch, admitted the same supply charges plus possession with intent. His lawyer highlighted anger issues, ADHD and “troubled teenage years”, suggesting he’d been subject to “manipulation and control rather than coercion”.

The court heard Rees already had a 2024 robbery conviction for stealing groceries from a man on Swansea High Street before mockingly eating some of the food in front of him.

Judge Paul Thomas KC told Raza he’d run a “substantial business” at just 18 and recruited a youth to work for him. Turning to Rees, he said the pre-sentence report showed someone “on the verge of losing control of his life” but noted he came from a responsible family concerned about his direction. The judge commended Rees’ parents for “trying their best” in difficult circumstances.

Raza received 28 months in a young offenders institution and will serve up to half before licence release.

Rees was handed 18 months detention suspended for 18 months, along with a rehabilitation course and 100 hours unpaid work.