(Image: South Wales Police)
Last Updated: 17 seconds ago
Three 20-year-old men have been sent to a young offender institution for a combined total of 18 years after detectives dismantled a crack cocaine operation that used a teenage boy to carry the risk of street-level dealing.
The investigation
The case was built by the Cardiff and Vale serious organised crime team at South Wales Police. Officers detained all three men on 4 March 2026. Alongside the drugs themselves, the investigation recovered equipment used to break down and distribute the supply, as well as cash generated by the enterprise – all of which has been taken off the men.
The exploitation
Rather than run the risk themselves, the group turned to a teenage boy to move their product, leaving him exposed to the dangers of street dealing while the money flowed back to them.
The sentences
Lewis Hannay, of Dinas Powys, admitted conspiring to supply crack cocaine, a class A drug, and conspiring to require a person or persons to perform forced or compulsory labour. He received six years and nine months.
Smyler Tucker, of Splott, admitted the same two conspiracy charges along with possession of cannabis, a class B drug, with intent to supply. He received six years.
Muhammad Gulzar, of Butetown, admitted an identical set of three charges. He received five years and three months.
All three sentences are to be served in a young offender institution.
Police reaction
Detective Chief Inspector Tim Jones said:
“These men were found not only with drugs and the tools to distribute this within our communities, but the financial profits of this activity, all of which has been seized.
“Not only were these men dealing drugs in our community, but they looked to exploit a young teenage boy to take the risks of distributing their drugs, while they reaped the financial rewards.
“This was an extensive investigation by the Serious Organised Crime team which left Hannay, Tucker, and Gulzar, no choice but to plead guilty. Tackling organised crime is a priority for South Wales Police and we will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of criminals to protect communities from harm.
“If you suspect drug dealing is taking place or you are concerned that a young person or vulnerable child or adult may have been targeted by an organised crime group, please tell us. You don’t have to be certain, just concerned.”
