A cocaine dealer in Cardiff has been ordered to pay back £269,000 despite making over £360,000 from crime. Wesley Fender, 40, was involved in supplying five kilograms of cocaine and used the alias ‘LooseBow’. He played a leading role in a conspiracy to distribute Class A drugs and had connections to the original source. Fender was found in possession of two high-value cars during a police raid, including an Audi R8.
Messages exchanged on the EncroChat platform between Fender and another dealer, known as ‘RioMale’, revealed discussions about drug supply, cash transactions, exchange rates, firearms, and threats of violence. At a sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court, Recorder Andrew Hammond emphasised the impact of drug trafficking on individuals’ lives and labelled it as trading in human misery. Fender initially denied being ‘LooseBow’ but later pleaded guilty to drug supply conspiracy and received a 12-year prison term.
During a Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) hearing, it was revealed that Fender benefitted from £362,500 but only had assets worth £268,423. Recorder Aiden Eardley KC ordered him to repay the sum of £268,423. The case highlighted the financial gains made by individuals involved in drug crimes and the sentencing aimed to tackle such illegal activities contributing to societal harm.