Man carried out drug runs less than a day after being released

A MAN has been charged after police discovered he was carrying out drug runs less than a day after being released from custody.

Aled Wyn Samuel, from Kidwelly, was found driving to Newport to pick up heroin while under investigation by Dyfed-Powys Police.

In two months, he carried out 47 journeys and brought heroin worth more than £130,000 to Carmarthenshire.

Earlier this year, DyfedPowys Police identified that the 50-year-old, of Parc Pendre, Kidwelly, was travelling frequently to the Newport area and buying heroin for onward supply in Carmarthenshire.

He was stopped by officers in Carmarthen on May 5, and a large quantity of heroin was recovered.

Due to Covid-19 guidance around remand applications, Samuel was then released while further inquiries were carried out.

Following his release, detectives – with the support of the Force Intelligence Bureau – found out that the 50-year-old had access to another vehicle.

On Tuesday, May 19, with the assistance of roads policing officers, Samuel was stopped driving the new car in Hendy, and just over 12g of heroin was seized.

Investigations showed the car had been driven to Newport, Gwent, five times since the first arrest, with the first journey taking place within less than 24 hours of Samuel being released from custody.

Samuel was charged with two counts of possession with intent to supply, and being concerned in the supply of heroin.

He has admitted the offences, and been remanded in custody to appear at Swansea Crown Court for sentencing on June 3.

Detective sergeant Andrew Clatworthy said: “Evidence indicates that Samuel has done more than 40 runs to Newport, collecting approximately an ounce of heroin on each occasion. This is in excess of 1,000 grams, valued at £133,000.

“Excellent cross-department work has been carried out, with a large amount of heroin seized before it made it onto the streets of Carmarthenshire.”