Porthcawl 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.

#cocaine #drugDealer #drugs #drugsRaid #organisedCrimeGroup #porthcawl #southWalesPolice

Third man charged over Pyle shooting remanded in custody

20‑year‑old from Bridgend faces multiple charges

South Wales Police confirmed that Daniel Clarke, 20, from Bridgend, has been charged following the incident on Maes Glas, Pyle, on Monday 22 September.

Clarke is accused of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life and conspiring with others to cause grievous bodily harm. He is also alleged to have taken part in the activities of an organised crime group. In addition, prosecutors say he had a firearm and suitable ammunition in a public place, and that he was concerned in the supply of a class B controlled drug.

He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear before Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on Friday 24 October at 10am.

What happened in Pyle

The charges stem from an incident in the early hours of Monday 22 September, when residents of a property on Maes Glas reported hearing a loud bang at around 3.30am. On inspection, they discovered two holes in the glass panel of their front door.

Police officers attended and later recovered bullets from the scene. The discovery sparked a major investigation, with detectives treating the incident as a targeted attack involving a firearm.

In the days that followed, two men were arrested and subsequently charged in connection with the shooting. Both were remanded in custody earlier this month, as reported by Swansea Bay News.

Ongoing investigation

This latest charge brings the total number of men facing prosecution over the incident to three. South Wales Police say their enquiries are continuing and have thanked the local community for their cooperation during what has been described as a “serious and concerning” case.

The force has again appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

Related coverage: Pyle shooting

Two men arrested after bullets found at Pyle property
Police launched an investigation after bullets were discovered at a Maes Glas home in September.

Two men charged over Pyle shooting remanded in custody
The first two suspects were charged and remanded earlier this month in connection with the incident.

#bulletHole #firearms #gang #MaesGlas #OCG #organisedCrimeGroup #Pyle #shooting #SouthWalesPolice