A dramatic police raid in Tylorstown, Ferndale has landed five gang members behind bars, totalling a collective 19 years and two months in prison. It all kicked off back in March when officers from South Wales Police’s Organised Crime Unit raided the home of Stephen Williams, 41, on East Road. What they found was a mysterious locked safe and a man denying ownership, claiming the room was rented to someone he only knew as “Ferret” (later revealed to be Kyle Hughes).
Inside the safe? A whopping 1,681 grams of cocaine, along with weighing scales and packaging materials. As officers continued their search, they uncovered mobile phones and drug paraphernalia, which added more pieces to the drug network puzzle.
The spotlight then turned to Kyle Hughes, 31, who was pulled over driving a Renault Megane. During the search, authorities found £7,000 in cash, sparking his arrest on charges connected to the supply of Class A drugs. Meanwhile, at Hughes’ home, police stumbled upon a small-scale cannabis farm with 17 plants thriving away.
Later that evening, officers arrested Matthew Perkins, 43, after paying Hughes £25,000 for more illicit substances. Perkins also claimed to know nothing about the large quantity of cocaine found in his possession.
Joining them were Ashley Murphy, 37, and Sara Qamber, 30, both held for their roles in the supply chain. A sweep of seized phones revealed a flurry of incriminating texts linking all five to the drug trade.
Their day in court at Merthyr Crown Court came on 21 November, where sentences were handed out. Stephen Williams received two years and nine months; Kyle Hughes faced five years and 11 months; Ashley Murphy got two years and four months; Matthew Perkins accepted five years and seven months, and Sara Qamber was sentenced to two years and seven months.
A swift takedown of organised crime and a win for community safety! 🎉 #CrimeNews #DrugsBust #JusticeServed