Drug Dealer's 'Turkey Teeth' Selfie Leads to Arrest via Facial Recognition
A drug dealer's selfie showing off his new "Turkey teeth" inadvertently led to his arrest after police used retrospective facial recognition technology on the image. Coran Davies, 23, sent the photo to his friend while sitting in a dentist's chair, proudly displaying his bright new dental work. However, unknown to Davies, his friend's mobile phone was already under investigation by detectives for drug-related activities.
Police Investigation and Evidence Gathering
South Wales Police revealed that officers had previously executed a search warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act in Treherbert, Wales. During this operation, they discovered an ounce of cocaine, cannabis, and various drug paraphernalia. The investigation continued, and when Davies sent the selfie, police deployed advanced facial recognition tools to identify him from the image.
Further messages between Davies and his friend discussed supplying cocaine and cannabis, providing additional evidence for the case. This digital trail, combined with the photo, proved crucial in linking Davies to the drug offences.
Arrest and Court Proceedings
In March 2025, plain-clothed officers spotted Davies driving a black Ford Fiesta through Tonypandy, Rhondda, and arrested him. His passenger, Dale Howell, 25, was also taken into custody. Both men, from Porth, were found to be carrying cocaine, cannabis, and thousands of pounds in cash during searches.
The pair appeared before Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court, where they pleaded guilty to drug offences and acquiring criminal property, specifically the cash. On Thursday, April 9, they were sentenced: Davies received a 48-month prison term, while Howell was handed 36 months behind bars.
Police Statement and Implications
In a statement, South Wales Police emphasized the role of technology in the arrest: "Two men from Rhondda were jailed for supplying class A drugs and cannabis. Coran Davies was arrested after officers used retrospective facial recognition on an image he’d sent to his drug dealer friend’s phone. The image showed him on a dentist’s chair after getting new teeth in Turkey, and further messages referenced drug supply. He was unaware his friend’s phone was already being analysed by detectives."
This case highlights the increasing use of digital evidence and facial recognition in law enforcement, demonstrating how seemingly innocuous actions, like sharing a selfie, can have serious legal consequences in criminal investigations.
