**Welsh Cannabis Trafficking Ring Found Guilty After Importing Millions in Drugs from US**
A major criminal network based in south Wales has been exposed for orchestrating the weekly shipment of vast quantities of cannabis from the United States, with authorities estimating the operation’s total value to be in excess of £11 million. The gang, led by 28-year-old Abubakr Khawar from Cardiff, has now been convicted following a far-reaching investigation undertaken by Tarian, the Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU) for southern Wales.
The complex smuggling scheme, which ran from November 2022 until December 2024, saw approximately 23 kilograms of cannabis shipped each week from America, according to police estimates. The drugs, packaged within parcels and disguised using vacuum sealing to appear as ordinary consumer goods such as clothing and toys, were delivered via established postal and courier networks.
Authorities believe that these elaborate concealment methods were designed specifically to evade detection by border checks. However, Border Force officials eventually intercepted a significant portion of the illegal consignments, seizing parcels with a collective value estimated somewhere between £7.5 million and £11.2 million.
The gang’s logistics trace back to multiple addresses across south Wales. Key organiser Mohammed Hussain, also 28, was instrumental in managing the delivery network, recruiting individuals – described as ‘livery’ addresses – to receive the drugs, for which they were paid between £50 and £200 a time. This enabled the gang to maintain a constantly moving supply chain, with the criminals reportedly turning over upwards of £10,000 each day in cannabis sales.
The investigation culminated on 9 December 2024, when coordinated raids were carried out by Tarian officers, supported by South Wales Police and British Transport Police. These actions led to the arrest and subsequent charging of eleven individuals, aged between 24 and 44.
Seven of the accused admitted to charges of conspiracy to supply Class B drugs and conspiracy to import cannabis. They include Abubakr Khawar (28), Daniel Marshall (40), Andrew Pethers (36), Sophie Jones (32), Kyle Solowyk (29), Ceiron Jones (28), and Solomon Bertram (36). All were remanded in custody ahead of their sentencing. Two other members, Mohammed Nurul Hussain (28) and Abdu Huriara Husain (28), initially pleaded guilty to supply offences, later changing their plea to guilty on importation charges partway through their trial.
The final two defendants, Sean Montgomery (24) and Steven Munroe (44), denied all charges but were ultimately found guilty by a jury at Newport Crown Court on 11 June 2025. Sentencing for all involved is scheduled to begin on 10 September 2025, with the courts expected to take a firm stance given the scale and duration of the criminal enterprise.
Detective Constable Sean Meyrick of Tarian ROCU attributed the successful prosecution to extensive partnership work. “I welcome the verdicts reached today, and await the outcome of the sentencing hearing,” he said. He also extended thanks to Border Force and the broader team at Tarian, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts in dismantling organised crime groups operating in the region.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle waged by law enforcement against sophisticated drugs gangs, who increasingly attempt to exploit international supply routes and commercial delivery services in pursuit of substantial profits. The size and scope of this operation, involving dozens of kilograms of cannabis every week, marks it as one of the most significant trafficking cases Wales has witnessed in recent years.
Community reactions have focused on the persistent challenge posed by narcotics imports to both public safety and the fabric of local communities, with many expressing hope that the successful prosecution signals a warning to similar networks who may attempt to operate in south Wales or beyond.
As the Welsh authorities prepare for sentencing, this case will likely remain a benchmark for future investigations into large-scale drug smuggling, while also highlighting the need for vigilance among both law enforcement and the delivery industries tasked with policing their own supply chains.