A drug dealer was caught boasting about cash he’d made while telling a call handler for a universal credit application he was “struggling for money.” Zombie knives were also found at his home and £1,000 worth of cocaine was discovered when police visited his girlfriend’s house.
Iestyn Raven, 24, was identified by police who were investigating a drugs line called the “Ronnie and Reggie” line, named after the Kray twins, after CCTV footage was retrieved of him topping up credit on the mobile. The phone had been used to send out “text bombs” to customers and was used to arrange deliveries.
A sentencing hearing at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Thursday heard a 17-year-old boy who used the line was arrested on July 2 last year, and messages were discovered between him and the defendant, who was giving him instructions about dealing. Raven was arrested in a car on September 30 and his girlfriend’s address in Barry, where he lived, was the subject of a raid. For the latest court reports sign up to our crime newsletter here.
Iestyn Raven, 24, was running a drugs line named after the Kray twins and was found in possession of £1,000 worth of cocaine.
(Image: South Wales Police)
Prosecutor James Evans said a search of the address resulted in the discovery of 30g of cocaine, which had a value of £1,160. A phone connected to the drugs line and £2,110 was also seized. The defendant’s address in Plymouth Road was also searched and a number of zombie knives and designer clothing were seized.
On the phone, a video was discovered of the defendant speaking on the phone to someone about his application for Universal Credit. During the conversation, he holds a wad of cash up to his ear, pretending it’s a phone, and says “I an struggling I am for money right now.”
Raven later pleaded guilty to supplying a controlled drug of class A and possession of criminal property. The court heard he has previous convictions for offences such as wounding, battery and escaping from lawful custody.
In mitigation, the court was told the defendant became involved in drug dealing due to being in a “desperate financial position”, after his temporary contract at an Aston Martin factory was not made permanent. Since his remand in prison he has completed a number of courses.
Sentencing, Judge Jeremy Jenkins said he was satisfied the defendant had “some degree of control” over the teenage dealer. He sentenced Raven to a total of 40 months imprisonment.
This interactive tool allows you to check the latest crime statistics for your area: