A drug dealer from Ebbw Vale, caught with significant quantities of cocaine and cannabis, has been sentenced to over two years in prison after he admitted to supplying the drugs over a six-month period. Leon Gaskell, aged 28, readily acknowledged his fate as he was apprehended by police officers, reportedly telling them, “I know I am going to jail,” immediately after his arrest.
The case unfolded when Gwent Police executed a search warrant at Gaskell’s home on Bryn Awelon Road on 10 June. He was present with his partner at the time. Officers observed him moving from the bathroom to his bedroom during their entry, and later determined he had attempted to dispose of evidence by flushing items down the toilet. The ensuing search uncovered a haul of drugs paraphernalia, including plastic snap bags, a stash of cash totalling £2,655, several mobile phones, and digital weighing scales—commonly used for preparing drugs for sale.
Among the substances seized were 12.9 grams of cannabis and two snap bags of cocaine, the latter with an estimated street value ranging from £1,140 to £1,480. Authorities also discovered that one of the mobile phones at the scene was, in fact, the so-called ‘drugs phone’—a crucial piece of evidence central to the investigation into organised drug supply.
Prosecutor Leah Pollard told Cardiff Crown Court that analysis of the phone’s contents revealed consistent messages organising the delivery and sale of cocaine. The conversations referenced multiple arrangements with customers to provide drugs—sometimes ‘on tick’, indicating sales on credit, a common practice in the illicit drug trade. The evidence indicated that Gaskell’s involvement in the supply operation had been ongoing for at least six months.
Police arrested Gaskell after establishing ownership of the phone, which was confirmed when an officer called the number and one of the seized devices started ringing in his presence. On being taken into custody, Gaskell made frank admissions regarding the likely severity of his impending jail term, estimating a sentence of three to four years.
During sentencing, the court heard that Gaskell had a relatively minor criminal history, with one previous conviction for driving offences and a caution for cannabis possession. Defence counsel, Christopher Evans, stated in mitigation that Gaskell’s cannabis use had developed into a costly addiction, at times demanding up to £150 a week. Evans suggested that the pressure of this dependency had contributed to his client’s involvement in more serious criminal activity. He also pointed out that Gaskell had since stopped using drugs and continued to receive support from his partner.
Judge Eugene Egan, presiding over the case, ultimately handed Gaskell a custodial sentence totalling 26 months. The judge’s remarks underscored both the seriousness of dealing in Class A substances such as cocaine and the importance of deterring such activities in the local community.
This case highlights the ongoing efforts by police and the courts to tackle the issue of drug supply and the wider societal impacts of substance abuse and addiction. According to local law enforcement, the conviction represents another step forward in disrupting the networks responsible for trafficking harmful substances throughout Blaenau Gwent and beyond.
As drug-related crime remains a concern across Wales, authorities continue to urge community members with information about illegal activities to come forward. The hope is that deterrent sentences and continued vigilance will help prevent further harm in vulnerable areas.
For further updates on similar cases and breaking news from the Welsh courts, readers are encouraged to follow official channels and sign up for relevant crime awareness newsletters.