Three men have been jailed for a total of more than 17 years for attempting to exploit a teenage boy into committing drug crimes on their behalf. Lewis Hannay, Smyler Tucker, and Muhammad Gulzar were arrested in March following an investigation by the Cardiff and Vale serious organised crime (SOC) team.
Sentences handed down
Hannay, 20, from Dinas Powys, Vale of Glamorgan, pleaded guilty to conspiring to supply a class A controlled drug - crack cocaine - and conspiring to require person(s) to perform forced or compulsory labour. He was sentenced to six years and nine months in a young offender institution.
Tucker, 20, of Splott, Cardiff, pleaded guilty to conspiring to supply a class A controlled drug - crack cocaine - conspiring to require person(s) to perform forced or compulsory labour, and possessing with intent to supply a controlled drug of class B - cannabis. He was sentenced to six years in a young offender institution.
Gulzar, 20, of Butetown, Cardiff, pleaded guilty to the same charges as Tucker and was sentenced to five years and three months in a young offender institution.
Police statement
Detective Chief Inspector Tim Jones said: “These men were found not only with drugs and the tools to distribute this within our communities, but the financial profits of this activity, all of which has been seized.”
“Not only were these men dealing drugs in our community, but they looked to exploit a young teenage boy to take the risks of distributing their drugs, while they reaped the financial rewards.”
“This was an extensive investigation by the Serious Organised Crime team which left Hannay, Tucker, and Gulzar, no choice but to plead guilty.”
“Tackling organised crime is a priority for South Wales Police and we will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of criminals to protect communities from harm.”
“If you suspect drug dealing is taking place or you are concerned that a young person or vulnerable child or adult may have been targeted by an organised crime group, please tell us. You don’t have to be certain, just concerned.”
Appeal to the public
South Wales Police said it is vital to increase awareness of child exploitation and encourage the public to be “our eyes and ears to recognise the signs”.
Anyone with any concerns about how someone is being treated is asked to call the UK modern slavery and exploitation helpline on 08000 121 700 or online. Alternatively, you can make a report to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or police on 101, or if a crime is happening now or someone is in immediate danger, call 999.
