**CCTV Footage Helps Expose Cardiff Drug Dealing Duo Caught with Heroin, Crack, and Cannabis**
A pair of drug dealers from Cardiff were apprehended following a police investigation that utilised CCTV footage and forensic phone analysis, ultimately revealing their involvement in the supply of Class A and Class B drugs across the city. The case, heard at Cardiff Crown Court, highlighted the growing role of surveillance and digital evidence in tackling the city’s ongoing battle against illegal narcotics.
Leigh Bishop, aged 23, and his associate Callum Mayer, 18, shared a residence in Crumlin Drive, Trowbridge, Cardiff, when officers executed a search warrant. The police operation was prompted by the identification of a drugs line known as the “Gigi line”, which had been under watch after suspicious activity was noticed regarding a mobile phone top-up on 13 November 2024.
Crucially, detectives obtained CCTV footage from a Tesco store in St Mellons, Cardiff, reviewing scenes from the day in question. The images captured Bishop purchasing credit for a mobile phone believed to be essential for coordinating drug sales on the illegal line. This evidence proved to be a pivotal link in tracing the criminal operation back to the pair’s address.
Upon searching their home, authorities discovered a substantial haul of illegal substances and paraphernalia. Bishop was found in possession of 18.5 grams of crack cocaine and 3.5 grams of heroin, with a combined street value exceeding £1,800. Mayer, meanwhile, was caught with 700 grams of cannabis estimated to be worth up to £2,330. Alongside the drugs, police seized digital weighing scales, a machete, a quantity of cash, and multiple mobile phones.
A deeper examination of the seized phones further implicated the duo in ongoing drug distribution activities. Bishop’s device contained evidence of active involvement in the supply of both heroin and crack cocaine, while Mayer’s phone pointed to a role in the sale of cannabis. Police also found messages that had been sent in bulk to potential buyers, advertising available drugs—known in the trade as “text bombs”.
During subsequent court proceedings, both individuals faced significant charges. Bishop entered guilty pleas to two counts of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs. His criminal record revealed a prior conviction related to possession with intent to supply Class A and Class B substances. Mayer admitted his role in possessing Class B drugs with intent to supply and had previous entries on his record for affray and carrying an offensive weapon.
Defence solicitors for the men sought to mitigate sentences by outlining their circumstances. Sol Hartley, representing Bishop, acknowledged his client’s likely fate of immediate imprisonment, accepting the gravity of the Class A offences. Jac Brown, on behalf of Mayer, noted his client’s relative youth, his specific involvement with cannabis (a Class B drug), and the fact Mayer was spending £10 daily fuelling his own cannabis use rather than operating at a higher echelons of the drug scene.
Ultimately, presiding Judge Daniel Williams imposed a custodial sentence of three years for Bishop, highlighting the seriousness of Class A drug supply. Mayer was handed a two-year community order. His sentence stipulated 150 hours of unpaid work alongside a 20-day rehabilitation requirement. Mayer was also ordered to pay court costs of £500.
This case underscores the importance of interlinking digital evidence, traditional police work, and public vigilance in disrupting the flow of illegal drugs in the community. Law enforcement officials continue to encourage the public to report suspicious behaviour as part of Cardiff’s ongoing efforts to tackle drug-related crime. In the wake of the verdict, both the local authorities and residents hope such decisive actions will act as a deterrent against future criminal activity in the area.