Three men from Newport have been sentenced to nearly 19 years in prison for their involvement in supplying significant quantities of Class A drugs. Armani Brown, 26, Ahmed Hassan, 22, and Phillip Royal, 55, were sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court on October 16 after pleading guilty to drug supply charges. The Newport-based organised crime group (OCG) was reportedly responsible for moving an estimated £1 million worth of cocaine over a five-month period, with drugs transported from Southend to South Wales.
Both Brown and Hassan also admitted to charges involving crack cocaine distribution. During a 2021 operation, officers executed several warrants in Newport’s Pill area, uncovering a rucksack containing almost four kilograms of cocaine and a room set up as a drug “factory” with butane gas stoves and other equipment used to convert cocaine into crack.
PC Adam Griffiths, the lead investigator, highlighted the group’s sophisticated methods of evading police surveillance. “This OCG supplied 20 kilograms of cocaine with a high street value,” he said. “Our investigation revealed a structured gang operation with Brown as the leader, Royal making lengthy trips to Southend for cocaine, and Hassan managing local distribution.”
Brown received a seven-year and eight-month sentence, while Hassan and Royal were each sentenced to five years and seven months. PC Griffiths expressed satisfaction with the sentencing, emphasizing that the ruling underscores the police’s commitment to dismantling drug networks and encouraging the public to report suspicious activity.
In another case, Northamptonshire Police successfully removed drugs and dangerous weapons from the streets after the sentencing of James McFarlane, 45, who was found in possession of a firearm, 14 knuckle dusters, cocaine, and cannabis. McFarlane was arrested on March 19 after a warrant was executed at his flat, leading to the discovery of items used in drug distribution, including a set of scales and a mobile “burner” phone.
Following his guilty plea to charges of drug possession and weapon offenses, McFarlane was sentenced on October 1 to three years and nine months in prison. A spokesperson from Northamptonshire Police stressed that the sentence represents the force’s commitment to addressing drug and weapon-related harm within the community.
The spokesperson added, “Drug dealers target vulnerable individuals, and by taking action, we aim to reduce the harm they cause. This operation serves as a reassurance to the public that we will act against these issues and encourages ongoing community vigilance.”
Authorities continue to urge anyone with information on drug activities or weapon possession to report it via their local police website, call 101, or reach out to Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.
