Macauley Hughes, 29, was captured on CCTV headbutting a cage inside a police van and threatening to murder officers after being stopped at Cardiff Central railway station. He was found in possession of cannabis and 2,000 tablets of bromazolam, a class A drug.
Arrest and Search at Cardiff Central
On January 3, 2024, plain clothes officers from British Transport Police stopped Hughes at Cardiff Central railway station. He appeared unsteady on his feet and a strong smell of cannabis emanated from his jacket. During a search, officers discovered cannabis and 2,000 bromazolam tablets. Hughes became abusive and was handcuffed.
Threats and Violence in Police Van
After being placed in a police van, Hughes violently headbutted the cage. When an officer told him to stop, he replied: "I swear on my daughter's grave, I will murder you mate," and continued headbutting the cage. He later claimed the pills were "presents." A search of his home in Wellingtonia Close, Merthyr Tydfil, uncovered four bottles of illegal THC vape juice in his fridge.
Court Sentencing
At Cardiff Crown Court on Thursday, June 18, 2026, Hughes pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply class A and B drugs. He was sentenced to two years and six months imprisonment.
Police Comments
Detective Constable Liam Perry of British Transport Police said: "Drugs are a blight on society, yet for Hughes this was business as usual. He used the railway to travel from town to town selling drugs. The fact that he was outraged that officers challenged him demonstrates the normalcy with which he regarded his criminal enterprise. I hope he takes his time behind bars to rethink his illegal activities. If you're planning to use the railway to transport and supply drugs, we will catch up with you, and you will be put before the courts."
Sergeant Shaun Thomas of South Wales Police added: "These illegal drugs have devastating consequences on the people further down the chain who end up using them, not to mention their family, friends and wider communities. We will continue to investigate any information you have which could relate to the sale or use of these drugs."
