17 men who `traded in misery` jailed following drug raids

A gang of drug dealers has been sent to prison for a total of 46 years one month after the ‘largest scale’ drugs operation in a force`s history. Fifteen men from Newport, one man from Barry and another from Rogerstone were sentenced for the supply of Class A drugs within the Gwent Police area. Among those jailed, Darren Edwards, 35, received the longest sentence of four years for two counts of supplying crack cocaine and five counts of being concerned in its supply. Newport Crown Court heard he had a management role in the gang by coordinating a team of “runners”, and was making around £100 a day. Craig Edwards, 32, received the lightest sentence of 16 months for supplying heroin, which funded his addiction. Judge Daniel Williams told the men: “It is a well-worn phrase but well-worn because it is true – what you were doing was trading in misery. “Countless of those who have come before me have burgled, robbed and defrauded in order to fund their addictions,” he added. “What each of you has done is to trade in drugs that cause untold harm to the users and often their families and friends, who see the ruinous effects upon them.” Prosecuting, Tony Trigg said some of the defendants carried out drug deals near playgroups, schools and youth sport facilities. On February 8, almost a quarter of Gwent Police’s officers – around 300 – carried out 14 simultaneous warrants in and around Newport in the early hours of the morning. Officers armed with Tasers, drills and chainsaws raided several properties following information from communities about the supply of class A drugs. Large quantities of money and Class A drugs were seized, and 34 people were arrested. Two undercover police officers posed as drugs users during the operation, the court heard. Chief Superintendent Marc Budden, who led the raids, said: “These warrants were planned to focus our activity on those who are bringing illegal drugs onto the streets of Newport, not just the users and dealers but those higher in the supply chain who are organising the infiltration into our communities. `It is ultimately thanks to members of the public and their help and support in providing us with information, that we were able to take such large scale action. “We welcome these sentences today and hope it sends a clear message to others concerned in the supply of Class A drugs that we will stop them from making a living from the misery of others.”