Two jailed after seized phone exposes cocaine network

A mobile phone recovered during a police drugs investigation has led to two young men being locked up for their roles in a cocaine supply network in Swansea.

Jack Haynes, 23, of Brynhyfryd Street, Brynhyfryd, and Liam Davies, 22, of Pentregethin Road, Gendros, were both sentenced at Swansea Crown Court after admitting their parts in the operation.

The phone evidence

Prosecutor Sian Cutter told the court that messages found on a device seized by officers during a separate drugs probe in Swansea revealed Haynes was actively involved in supplying cocaine. The messages also identified Davies – referred to as “Davo” – as the man responsible for carrying out deliveries or “drops” on Haynes’ behalf.

The court heard both men were also in contact with another dealer, Oliver Nancarrow, who Haynes had been supplying with cocaine. Nancarrow was jailed last year for selling magic mushrooms, LSD, amphetamine, cocaine, ecstasy and cannabis.

Searches and arrests 🔎

Officers searched Haynes’ home in November and discovered 21g of cannabis, weighing scales, a small amount of cannabis and cannabis edibles in his garage, and £350 in cash on a bedside table. He was arrested and his phone seized, but he refused to hand over his PIN.

At the same time, police searched Davies’ address. Although he was not home, officers found 43g of cocaine in a garden shed along with £515 in cash and a small quantity of cannabis in a bedroom. They then attended his workplace to arrest him, finding him carrying £880 in cash.

Once officers gained access to Haynes’ phone, messages confirmed his extensive involvement in cocaine supply, including numerous delivery requests handled by Davies. Evidence also showed Haynes had been running a separate cannabis-dealing operation.

Guilty pleas

Haynes had previously admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine, being concerned in the supply of cannabis, possession of cocaine with intent to supply, simple possession of cannabis, and possession of criminal property – namely cash. He has one previous conviction for an unrelated offence from 2017.

Davies pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine, simple possession of cannabis, and possession of criminal property – cash. He has no previous convictions.

What the court heard in mitigation

Dean Pulling, representing Haynes, said his client had worked with his father in London before being laid off and returning to Swansea, where he began to “associate with a negative peer group.” His drug use escalated following the death of a close friend, with increasing consumption leading to debts and eventually dealing – a path the barrister described as “sadly not unusual.”

The court heard references had been submitted on Haynes’ behalf – including one “from a sitting MP” – along with a heartfelt letter from the defendant himself. Mr Pulling said Haynes “wants to move on with his life” upon his release.

Hannah George, for Davies, told the court her client had started using drugs recreationally at 14, which progressed into cocaine use. As his consumption grew, so did his debts until “he found himself chasing his tail.” She said Davies had worked as a scaffolder before his arrest with a strong work ethic, and that his job remained open to him, adding: “He wants to change – to put this behind him.”

Sentencing ⚖️

Recorder Anna Price told the pair that supplying class A drugs was a serious offence met by severe penalties.

Both Haynes and Davies received 27-month prison sentences, reflecting one-quarter reductions for their guilty pleas. They will each serve up to half their time in custody before being released on licence.