Police apprehended Corey McDonald, 27, a father and co-owner of a clothing business, along with Modou Nyang, 27, on June 19 last year in Treforest, after which a search revealed their involvement in cocaine and cannabis distribution.
Incriminating evidence was found on the three mobile phones discovered in their possession—two belonging to McDonald and one to Nyang.
During a sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Monday, it was revealed that three grip seal bags containing white powder and £300 in cash were also uncovered.
McDonald asserted ownership of the bags and stated that the drugs were intended for his personal consumption. Subsequent examination of the bags confirmed the presence of small quantities of both cocaine and ketamine.
According to prosecutor Susan Ferrier, when the police conducted a search at McDonald’s residence, they discovered four additional mobile phones, although no incriminating evidence was found on them. However, examinations of the phones seized from the car unveiled compelling proof of the involvement of both defendants in the distribution of cocaine and cannabis. These phones contained numerous group messages discussing drug availability and pricing with customers, as well as messages linking McDonald and Nyang to one another. Additionally, videos depicting the weighing of white powder were found.
McDonald, residing on Oak Street in Rhydyfelin, Pontypridd, and Nyang, residing on Berw Road in Pontypridd, both pleaded guilty to being involved in the supply of class A and class B drugs. The court was informed that McDonald had prior convictions, including assault, theft, and a caution for cannabis production. Nyang, on the other hand, had previous convictions for possession of class A and class B drugs, as well as cannabis production.
In mitigation for McDonald, Giles Hayes explained that his client had a challenging upbringing and had found some stability with his partner, who is expecting their second child. However, when faced with adversity, he turned to alcohol and cocaine. He began dealing in drugs to settle a drug debt.
Martha Smith-Higgins, representing Nyang, argued that her client held no significant role in the drug supply chain, had limited awareness of the operation’s scale, and had little evidence of financial gain. He pleaded guilty to the charges on the basis that he was acting under the direction of others who had used his phone to distribute drugs. The barrister also pointed out that Nyang operated a clothing business with his uncle, which would face financial hardship if he were incarcerated.
Judge Lucy Crowther handed down a three-year prison sentence to McDonald and a 25-month prison sentence to Nyang.
