Operation Ulysses – outstanding defendant sentenced

In 2018 Operation Ulysses saw 33 defendants receive a total of 215 years imprisonment. Operation Ulysses was the investigation conducted by Dyfed-Powys Police Serious Organised Crime Team between 2016 and 2017, into the supply of large quantities of Heroin and Cocaine into Llanelli and Aberystwyth by an Organised Crime Group from North Wales and Merseyside. But there was one defendant outstanding, and on Monday November 30 2020, 45 year old Hillal Mukbil Saleh from Liverpool, was sentenced to 44 months imprisonment for Conspiracy to Supply Heroin, and a further 3 months to be served consecutively for Bail Act offences (fail to appear).

Hillal Saleh was given court bail in 2017, but in October 2017 he failed to appear and a warrant was issued by Swansea Crown Court. The Serious Organised Crime Team carried out significant enquiries to trace Hillal Saleh, but he remained outstanding despite their efforts. Then in October 2020 Saleh handed himself in, and appeared before Swansea Crown Court on Monday November 30, where he pleaded guilty to the conspiracy offences.

Detective Inspector Rhys Jones said: “This was a prolonged, demanding operation, and was the most complex investigation undertaken by the Serious Organised Crime Team at the time, due to the number of organised crime groups involved throughout Wales and Liverpool. Of course we were happy with the sentencing of 33 defendants in 2018, but the fact that one individual was still outstanding was disappointing. We were determined to see Hillal Saleh also brought to justice, and carried out significant enquiries in pursuit of that. As I said back in 2018, drugs misuse creates such misery and despair, and there is a human cost to the trade of supplying drugs – and we will work tirelessly to stop it. Although he evaded justice until now, he is now paying the price for his part in the conspiracy to supply Heroin. The Serious Organised Crime Team would like to thank everyone involved in the investigation for their assistance throughout the course of the investigation, and for ensuring this successful conclusion to the operation.”

The Dyfed-Powys Police Serious Organised Crime Team continues to work determinedly to ensure the Dyfed-Powys area remains a hostile environment for those involved in Serious and Organised Crime at all levels.