A Swansea man has been sent back to prison for supplying cocaine, after a judge challenged him to take pride in his community instead of “overflooding” the city with illegal drugs. The defendant, 23-year-old Corey Fethney, was told that repeat offending would see him spend the best years of his life behind bars, highlighting the persistent issue of drug-related crime in South Wales.
Fethney, previously employed as a plasterer, found himself once again before Swansea Crown Court for his role in the supply of cocaine. His name had surfaced during independent police investigations into illegal drug networks in Swansea. Officers made the connection after repeatedly finding the same suspect phone number in the contacts and Snapchat messages of multiple cocaine users. Many of these messages boldly advertised “the best and cheapest” cocaine, reinforcing the scale and brazenness of the operation.
The prosecution detailed how, during a police arrest in March 2025, Fethney was found with a small quantity of cannabis. He chose not to answer questions during interview, remaining silent throughout. Investigators subsequently confirmed that Fethney’s personal mobile phone regularly appeared in the same locations as a so-called “drugs phone” used to coordinate widespread deals. Furthermore, his Snapchat account — which had contacted various customers — was traced to an IP address belonging to the home of his partner’s mother, further strengthening the evidence against him.
In court, Fethney pleaded guilty to two offences: being concerned in the supply of cocaine over a twelve-month period between April 2024 and March 2025, and possession of cannabis. These charges followed earlier offences. Back in September 2022, he had been sentenced to three years of detention for supplying cocaine and possessing cannabis with intent to supply. On that occasion, Fethney’s fall from legitimate tradesman to drug dealer was linked to the disruptions of the Covid pandemic, which left him with little work. It was revealed he referred to himself as “the boss” and managed a team within his previous criminal enterprise.
Released on licence in August 2023, Fethney was arrested less than a year later, resulting in his return to prison. His defence solicitor, Andrew Evans, said that upon his release, Fethney had genuinely intended to reform. However, the weight of outstanding debts from his initial period of dealing forced him back into criminal activities. The solicitor stressed that Fethney was acutely aware of the gravity of being caught a third time, an outcome that would trigger a mandatory minimum prison sentence of seven years due to repeat Class A drug offences.
Judge Huw Rees, presiding over the case, described it as a textbook example of the cycle of debt and re-offending that all too often arises from involvement in drug supply. He highlighted the dangers inherent in dealing Class A substances, both for the individual and the wider community. Directing his remarks at Fethney, Judge Rees urged him to recognise the pride that comes from being part of Swansea — rather than playing a role in perpetuating its drug problems. The judge warned that unless Fethney made a significant change, he risked “wasting the best years of his life” incarcerated.
Taking into account Fethney’s guilty plea, the judge imposed a sentence of four-and-a-half years in prison, with the expectation that half will be served in custody, followed by release on licence to complete the remainder in the community. The case serves as a potent reminder of the individual and collective costs of the illegal drugs trade, with the consequences not only for those who deal, but also for the communities they operate in.
Fethney’s case underscores the difficult path many face when trying to break free from the cycle of addiction, debt, and crime. Swansea, like many UK cities, is grappling with the ongoing impact of drug supply chains that undermine community well-being. The authorities are keen to send a message — both to those tempted to enter this illegal trade and those trapped by it — that prison is the likely destination.
As communities and law enforcement continue to battle against the flow of drugs, the courts remain vigilant. Judge Rees’s words reinforce a growing sentiment: rehabilitation and community pride are possible, but the window for change is narrow for those caught reoffending. The message to others is clear — continued involvement in drug crime is a ticket to a wasted future.