Nicole Locke, a 33-year-old woman from Tonypandy, Wales, has been sentenced to five years and six months in prison for her involvement in the supply of cocaine and crack cocaine. The sentence was handed down at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court after Locke pleaded guilty to one count of being concerned in the supply of cocaine, one count of being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine, and one count of acquiring or using criminal property.
Police investigation uncovers drug line
The case originated from a police investigation into a drug line operating across the Rhondda area. Officers identified a phone number linked to one of these drug lines and subsequently connected it to Locke. Detectives from the South Wales Police serious organised crime unit focused on an address in Tonypandy and executed a search warrant in June 2026.
Upon arrival, officers found Locke in one of the bedrooms. Her mobile phone was seized, and analysis confirmed that the drug line number was registered to her device. During the search, police discovered a white plastic bag containing white powder and £155 in cash. A further search of Locke's car revealed £180 in cash, another bag of white powder, and a Kinder Egg container filled with white powder.
Guilty plea and sentencing
Locke had previously pleaded guilty in 2025 to possession with intent to supply class A drugs and being involved in the supply of class A drugs. The court sentenced her to five years and six months in prison for the offences.
Police Constable Justyn Lewis of South Wales Police commented on the case: "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, including combating drug lines across the region."
Impact on the community
The Rhondda area has been affected by drug-related crime, and this sentencing sends a clear message about the consequences of involvement in drug supply. Police have urged the public to report any suspicious activity related to drug lines to help combat the issue.
