A 30-year-old Cardiff man has been sentenced to 18 months in prison after being caught twice delivering cannabis to addresses across the city, with police seizing more than £2,000 worth of the Class B drug in total. The case, heard at Cardiff Crown Court, highlights the continuing challenges police and communities face in tackling the drugs trade within urban areas in Wales.
Shakr Hamad, of Rhymney Street, Cathays, first came to the attention of police on 10 April 2024, when officers detected the strong smell of cannabis coming from his Ford Focus during a routine stop in the Welsh capital. Suspicion was further raised as Hamad appeared to be under the influence, with a roadside test confirming the presence of cannabis in his system.
On searching his vehicle, investigators located a carrier bag containing eight zip-lock bags filled with cannabis, which authorities estimate to have a street value of up to £400. Alongside the narcotics, police found approximately £440 in cash and an iPhone. Examination of the phone revealed Hamad had received a rapid sequence of postcode addresses, strongly suggesting he was acting as a courier on behalf of a wider, organised network.
Prosecutor Sol Hartley told the court that Hamad’s role as a “drugs runner” was part of a larger operation orchestrated by an organised crime group dealing cannabis to multiple addresses throughout Cardiff. Digital evidence indicated he was following direct instructions, delivering packages to specified postcodes.
Despite being released on bail following his first arrest, Hamad resumed his illicit activities less than a year later, with police detaining him again on 15 March 2025 in Butetown’s Llansannor Way. Officers had observed him interacting with another individual from his BMW before conducting a search of the car. This time, the search uncovered a black rucksack holding 30 snap bags of cannabis, with an estimated street value of £1,700. Authorities also found a further £525 in cash and a knuckleduster within the vehicle.
Forensic examination of his mobile phone placed him within a WhatsApp group used by several others believed to be working as drug couriers for the same criminal enterprise. During his subsequent police interview, Hamad exhibited signs of distress, reportedly becoming agitated and even hitting himself in the head.
Hamad ultimately pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing drugs with intent to supply, as well as charges related to possession of criminal property, possession of an offensive weapon, and driving whilst disqualified. The court was told he already held a previous conviction for motoring offences, resulting in his initial disqualification from driving.
Defence counsel Harry Baker told the court that Hamad had made an unsuccessful asylum application to remain in the United Kingdom, but had since submitted a further application. He argued that factors linked to his uncertain immigration status may have contributed to Hamad’s involvement in criminal activity, although the court gave limited weight to this mitigation.
In passing sentence, Judge Paul Hobson imposed an 18-month custodial term and disqualified Hamad from driving for an additional 18 months. The judge noted that the Home Office may consider deportation proceedings, but emphasised that any such decision would rest with immigration authorities rather than the criminal court.
This case brings into sharp relief the risks facing those drawn into the drugs trade, as well as the challenges police face in combatting organised crime. It also underscores the complex links between criminality, financial vulnerability, and uncertain immigration status that can be exploited by wider criminal networks. Authorities continue to urge anyone with information about drug activity in their communities to come forward, as they redouble their efforts to disrupt illegal enterprises operating within Cardiff and beyond.