A drug dealer who threatened to “flood the valleys” with cannabis purchased from California was found in possession of Banksy artworks when raided by police. Messages on his phone indicated he was responsible for the purchase of £136,000 worth of cannabis for onward supply. It is believed Christopher Scrivens used funds from the drug trade to buy artwork, including a number of pieces by renowned artist Banksy.
Among the artworks seized by Gwent Police was The Grappling Hook, Money Queen portrait, and The Watchtower Swing, with a potential value of more than £190,000. Additionally, items like designer goods, a caravan, quad bikes, and jet skis with an estimated value of £48,400 were also seized. Scrivens was found in possession of £11,800 in cash during a search at his home in Ebbw Vale in December 2019.
During a sentencing hearing at Newport Crown Court, it was revealed that Scrivens had used money made from selling cannabis to purchase the Banksy artworks. Scrivens, along with several accomplices, was involved in a drug operation that saw the importation and distribution of cannabis. Co-conspirators like Scott Hodkinson, Kyle Webber, Becky Williams, and Daniel Jones were also implicated in the drug supply chain.
Scrivens was sentenced to three years in prison for importation of class B drugs and conspiracy to supply class B drugs. His accomplices received community orders and sentences ranging from 12 to 18 months for their involvement in the drug supply chain. Detective Chief Inspector Mike Preston of Gwent Police commended the efforts of law enforcement in seizing criminal assets and reiterated the commitment to tackling drug-related crimes in the community.
The case highlights the lengths individuals involved in drug trafficking may go to conceal their activities and the impact of drug dealing on communities. The police’s success in dismantling this drug operation serves as a reminder that crime does not pay and sends a clear message to those intent on causing harm through drug trafficking. Public cooperation and information have been crucial in combating serious and organised crime, and authorities encourage individuals to report any suspicions or information related to drug activities in their communities.