A “community man” in south Wales was discovered dealing cocaine for 11 months, estimated to have made at least £350,000. Andrew Llewellyn, 36, of Tredegar, was convicted of being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine between January and December 2020. The defendant was involved in a small commercial supply and directed a street dealer to supply drugs on his behalf.
At a sentencing hearing at Newport Crown Court, it was revealed that Llewellyn had connections to higher-ups in the drugs chain, including a London dealer with ties to Turkey. Recorder Greg Bull KC mentioned that the defendant used legitimate businesses as a cover for money laundering to disguise his activities.
During the trial, Llewellyn displayed “paranoid, threatening, and controlling” behaviour towards his downstream dealer, demanding more money. Messages sent by Llewellyn included threats, such as insisting on immediate payment. The defendant also purchased a hydraulic press with the intent of packaging kilos of cocaine.
In mitigation, Llewellyn’s lawyer described him as a “community man” who assisted others and coached sports teams. Despite this, Recorder Bull sentenced Llewellyn to seven years in prison. PC Ryan Hagan of Gwent Police expressed satisfaction that Llewellyn’s sentencing would remove a threatening individual from the streets.
Throughout the investigation, authorities linked Llewellyn to organised crime groups both in the UK and abroad. The evidence presented during the trial, including a video showing the hydraulic press at his residence, solidified the case against him. PC Ryan Hagan reiterated that Llewellyn exhibited no remorse or accountability for his actions, attempting to downplay his involvement and shift blame.
The sentencing ensures that Llewellyn, who preyed on vulnerable individuals, will be off the streets of Gwent for years to come. His behaviour towards his associates was described as heinous and cowardly, reflecting the impact of his criminal actions on the community.