**Investigation Traced Drug Operation to Two Swansea Men After Analysis of Phones**
A detailed police investigation into drug supply in Swansea has resulted in the conviction of two local men, after officers pieced together evidence using information gathered from multiple mobile phones. The prosecution revealed in court that the trail of data unearthed by officers pointed unambiguously towards Jason Jeffs, 37, and Darren Fowler, 36, both from the Penlan area of the city.
The investigation began in earnest in May, when South Wales Police scrutinised several mobile phones collected from individuals known to be involved in drug use. Detectives discovered contacts, messages, and other digital crumbs that all pointed back to Jeffs, believed to be the leader of a local drugs enterprise. This evidence allowed officers to secure a search warrant for a property in Penlan, where both suspects were discovered.
When police officers entered the home, they recovered a veritable stockpile of illegal substances: 9 grams of cocaine, 32 grams of cannabis, an excess of 400 diazepam and pregabalin tablets, and £3,625 in cash. In an unusual twist, police also discovered 2.7 grams of amphetamine stored in a microwave. The diversity of drugs and the quantities found suggested to officers that the property served as a hub for the illegal trade.
Further examination of mobile devices seized during the search enabled investigators to map out the structure of the operation. Prosecutors told Swansea Crown Court that Jeffs acted as the “boss”, orchestrating activities and supplying the bulk of the drugs, while Fowler played a supporting yet vital role within the illicit business.
During sentencing, the judge, Catherine Richards, addressed both men directly, stating that it would have been clear to them that dealing in Class A substances would inevitably carry significant risks in terms of legal consequences. She observed that anyone involved at such a level in the drugs trade could not claim to be unaware of the likely outcome if apprehended by the law.
Jason Jeffs, residing at Heol Gwyrosydd, pleaded guilty to a series of offences including being concerned in the supply and intent to supply cocaine and cannabis, unlawful possession and supply of pregabalin and diazepam, simple possession of amphetamine, and possession of criminal property – namely, the cash seized during the raid. He has an extensive criminal record, with over 40 previous offences, including previous convictions for supplying controlled substances.
Darren Fowler, living at Jeffrey’s Court, also entered guilty pleas for his involvement, including being concerned in the supply of cocaine, as well as simple possession of crack cocaine and cannabis. Fowler’s criminal background spans 11 previous offences, all for relatively minor drug-related or possession offences.
Legal representatives for the men provided mitigation during the hearing. Andrew Evans, representing Jeffs, explained that his client’s return to dealing followed a period of turmoil and stress, including a relationship breakdown and adverse medical news, despite his previous efforts to distance himself from Class A drugs. John Tarrant, acting for Fowler, indicated that his client suffers from paranoid schizophrenia and that his recent period on remand was his first spell in custody.
Judge Richards, giving credit to both men for their early guilty pleas, sentenced Jeffs to three years and four months imprisonment. Fowler received a three-year custodial sentence. Both will serve up to half their terms in prison before being considered for release on licence.
This case underscores the critical role digital evidence now plays in drug enforcement investigations, as law enforcement continues to utilise advances in technology to disrupt local supply chains and bring those at the helm to justice.