Drug dealer convictions prompt county lines warning for valleys

Drug dealer convictions prompt county lines warning for valleys

County lines gang members caught with drugs worth thousands in a south Wales street were jailed last week (December 13).

Saed Saeed, from Cardiff, and Fouad Cilmi, from Bristol, were arrested on the 8^th of August, 2018, after being stopped by armed officers.

They were driving along Llantrisant Road, Beddau, in a black Vauxhall Astra when officers spotted them and began to follow. As the vehicle turned into Cwrt Castellau officers made their approach and signalled for them for them to stop. Saed Saeed tried to run away but was caught nearby, as was Cilmi, and both were taken into custody.

Thirty-one wraps of heroin, five wraps of crack cocaine and over a thousand pounds in cash was seized from their vehicle. The drugs had a street value of up to £10,000.

Saeed pleaded guilty to possessing class A drugs with intent to supply at an earlier court appearance and Cilmi pleaded guilty to the same charges on the morning of his trial.

The men were sentenced together at Cardiff Crown Court on Thursday, 13^th December, 2018 – Saeed was sentenced to 3 years and Cilmi was sentenced to 44 months.

Detective Sergeant Tim jones said:

“The County Lines threat is very real and there is a drugs market in the valleys which organised gangs will always try to capitalise on. Generally speaking the gangs operate with a cold disposition for manipulating the most vulnerable members of our communities to generate money from selling drugs, and they have a propensity for violence.

“But if communities make a stand against this criminality by sharing information and reporting their suspicions this can be stopped – strong messages such as this one make it clear that they won’t be tolerated by valleys communities who work with South Wales Police.

“Anybody who suspects drug dealing is urged to contact South Wales Police via 101 or they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555     111.”