Four members of an organised crime gang who trafficked cocaine in Newport and across south Wales have received a combined jail term of 28-and-a-half years. Jerome Winter, 25, Sharif Rahman, 29, Armani Brown, 27, and Saif Ali, 29, were sentenced at Merthyr Crown Court this week after pleading guilty to charges related to the supply of cocaine and crack cocaine.
Operation Alpha Raids and Seizures
During Operation Alpha, officers from Gwent Police’s serious and organised crime unit executed early-morning warrants at addresses in Newport and Cwmbran on January 16 this year. The raids involved police dogs, drones, and officers from roads policing, specialist operations, neighbourhood teams, and community action teams. Police recovered cocaine, crack cocaine, and cannabis with an estimated street value of around £17,460, along with nearly £9,000 in cash, mobile phones, electronic devices, and designer clothes.
Roles and Sentences
Evidence showed that Brown and Rahman had significant roles in the group, which trafficked illegal drugs between January 1, 2025, and January 16, 2026. Winter, of Newport, was sentenced to eight years imprisonment. Rahman, also of Newport, received eight years. Brown, of Newport, was given seven years and two months. Ali, of Newport, received five years and four months. Rahman also admitted possession with intent to supply cocaine and crack cocaine, and possession of criminal property. Ali pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply cocaine and cannabis, and possession of criminal property.
Police Statement
Detective chief inspector Matthew Edwards, of Gwent Police, said: “I would like to thank everyone who played a role in Operation Alpha, a lengthy and thorough investigation, which helped bring these four criminals to justice. The warrants were a significant operation, involving police dogs, officers from our roads policing and specialist operations units, our neighbourhood and community action teams, and drone operators.” He added: “Serious and organised crime is a threat to our communities and we hope these sentences show our continued commitment to keeping our communities safe. We'll continue to work tirelessly to crack down on the production, sale and supply of illegal drugs that bring misery, suffering and fear to vulnerable people and their families.”
