EditorPorthcawl pensioner jailed after £29k drug and cash haul uncovered
A 70-year-old man from Porthcawl has been sentenced to six years in prison after police uncovered a stash of cocaine and thousands in cash during a raid on his home.
Thomas Hughes, of Park Avenue, was convicted at Cardiff Crown Court after pleading guilty to possession with intent to supply a Class A drug and possession of criminal property.
The case followed a warrant executed by South Wales Police’s Organised Crime Team on 28 September 2025, when officers searched Hughes’ home and discovered a haul of items linked to drug trafficking.
Inside the property, officers found 472 grams of cocaine, a white powder with an estimated street value of up to £15,000, along with £29,203 in cash. The money was spread across bundles of notes, £2 coins, Euros, and even a Scottish £10 banknote. Police also seized scales, deal bags, and two mobile phones — all consistent with drug supply.
Hughes was arrested at the scene but made no reply when cautioned. He later entered a guilty plea on 7 November.
Police: “No place for drug dealers in our communities”
Following the sentencing, PC Rhodri Wilson from the Organised Crime Team said:
“This case highlights our commitment to tackling drug-related crime and ensuring that those who seek to profit from illegal activities face the consequences of their actions. We will continue to work tirelessly to make our communities safer.”
He urged residents to report suspicious activity, saying community vigilance plays a vital role in disrupting organised crime.
Not his first conviction
This isn’t the first time Hughes has been caught dealing cocaine. In 2019, he was jailed for seven years after police found 800 grams of cocaine and £30,000 in cash hidden in a safe at a property he rented in Porthcawl.
That case, part of Operation Delta, also saw his accountant receive a suspended sentence for money laundering. Officers carried out warrants at three addresses and seized drugs with a street value estimated at £64,000.
Despite that conviction, Hughes returned to drug dealing — this time from his own home. His latest sentence reflects the court’s stance on repeat offenders and the serious impact of drug supply on local communities.
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