A man found to be part of a criminal syndicate operating between Cardiff and Swansea has been told by a judge that his swift deportation from the United Kingdom is strongly advised. The individual, identified as Nam Ngoc, was intercepted by South Wales Police last December while delivering cannabis. He was found in possession of a counterfeit international driver’s licence and more than £25,000 worth of vacuum-packed cannabis.
Ngoc, aged 21, appeared before Swansea Crown Court earlier this week, where the court was informed of his illegal entry into the UK three years ago. Originally from Vietnam, Ngoc had settled in Bradford and undertaken work as a painter and decorator before becoming involved in organised crime. His involvement in drug distribution was brought to light after an incident in Cardiff attracted the attention of law enforcement.
The prosecution, led by Alycia Carpanini, provided an account of the events that prompted Ngoc’s arrest. Police received a report on the evening of 20 December concerning a group of men in the Grangetown area of Cardiff transferring large bags from a van to the boot of a car. Some individuals were reportedly seen carrying firearms, sparking immediate concern and a rapid police response.
Officers tracked the vehicle, a Seat Leon, as it travelled westbound along the M4 before leaving the motorway and heading into Swansea. The car was eventually halted and searched by police on Pentregethin Road, where Nam Ngoc was detained. A subsequent search revealed two large shopping bags in the boot, each containing cannabis tightly sealed in vacuum packs. The weight of the drugs was calculated at 5.2kg—estimated to have a street value exceeding £26,000.
Additionally, police discovered that Ngoc was carrying £395 in cash and a forged international driver’s licence under the name Tien Dung Nguyen, substituting his own image for the document’s legitimate photograph. Forensic analysis of his mobile phone uncovered images of cannabis, messages relating to drug transactions, and a list of postcodes, presumed relevant to his criminal activity.
When initially questioned by police, Ngoc refused to comment but later submitted a written statement denying any intention to supply cannabis. However, the weight of evidence saw him plead guilty to possession of cannabis with intent to supply. Defence barrister Ieuan Rees explained that Ngoc’s journey from Vietnam to the UK ended with his involvement in the Swansea drug trade, following a period of legitimate employment.
Presiding Judge Huw Rees expressed scepticism over the absence of any justification for the counterfeit document and highlighted the evident illegality of Ngoc’s status in the UK. The judge remarked that the defendant, along with others, was engaged in the distribution of cannabis and stated plainly that expediting Ngoc’s removal from the UK would be beneficial.
Taking account of Ngoc’s guilty plea, Judge Rees imposed an eight-month custodial sentence, reduced by ten per cent from the original term. It is standard procedure for individuals sentenced to less than twelve months to serve up to half their sentence behind bars, with the remainder spent on licence in the community. However, in Ngoc’s case, the Home Office has already initiated steps to assess his immigration status and potential deportation.
The case underscores the ongoing issue of organised crime networks exploiting vulnerable individuals, including those who have entered the country illegally, to further their activities across UK cities. The concerning involvement of suspected firearms, paired with the discovery of substantial Class B drugs, highlights the persistent challenge police face in curbing criminal enterprise along key transport corridors.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to pursuing organised crime and disrupting the supply of illegal drugs in Wales. This case serves as a stark reminder of the real consequences for those caught up in the criminal underworld and the swift action being taken by both law enforcement and the judiciary to ensure public safety.
As Nam Ngoc awaits further action concerning his future in the UK, the collaborative efforts of police and immigration officials continue to scrutinise similar offenders. The government maintains its stance on taking action against individuals who breach immigration laws and become involved in criminality during their stay.