An organised crime gang, led by a promising footballer, was found in possession of cocaine worth £300,000 during a police warrant execution. The gang leader, Armani Brown, used the alias Emporio Armani in drug communications. The warrant was carried out in Newport on October 21 following information about a drugs operation in the city. Brown, along with another man, was seen in the hallway of a house in Carlisle Street. Despite Brown’s attempt to escape, he was detained at the scene.
Inside the house, officers found evidence that it had been taken over for the preparation of class A drugs. Crack cocaine and cocaine, with an estimated street value exceeding £400,000, were discovered in various locations within the property. Paraphernalia like gas canisters, weighing scales, and packaging materials were also found. Two other individuals, Ahmed Hassan and Philip Royal, were arrested in connection with the operation. Further incriminating evidence was found on a blue iPhone, including photos of 6kg of cocaine and messages indicating drug dealing activities.
It was revealed in court that Royal had made several trips to Essex to transport drugs and was in contact with Brown during those journeys. Brown, Hassan, and Royal pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine. In their defence, Brown had no prior convictions and was once a promising footballer, while Hassan had obtained qualifications while in custody and served the equivalent of a six-year sentence. Royal’s role as a courier stemmed from his addiction to drugs, and he expressed a desire to move forward with his life.
Brown was sentenced to seven years and eight months in prison, Hassan to five years and seven months, and Royal to the same term. The court case shed light on the extent of the gang’s drug operation and the individuals involved in trafficking cocaine and crack cocaine. This incident demonstrates the ongoing battle against drug-related crime in the local area and the efforts of law enforcement to disrupt criminal activities.