31-year-old Benjamin Simons, from Portmead, a volunteer at a junior football club and 33-year-old Leon Simons, from Blaenymaes, were arrested following the execution of four Section 8 warrants, during which large quantities of cocaine – 1.7kg – and cash – were recovered. Scales for measuring drugs and a large knife were also found during the warrants.
A Fforestfach unit used by the brothers was found to contain items including a hydraulic cocaine press, a jet ski and quad bikes.
A search of the Robin Road address uncovering £53,250 in cash in the living room and kitchen, as well as bags of cocaine ranging in purity of between 81 per cent and 85 per cent.
In total some 1,799g of coke was recovered with a street value of the drug was £60,000. Officers also recovered weighing scales containing traces of white powder, a large machete-type knife, and a box containing what appeared to be Rolex designer watches.
Police then executed a search warrant at Benjamin Simons’ house in Portmead where officers recovered a number of phones which contained messages relating to a drugs line known as the “Swansea Boys”.
During one of the warrants, 25-year-old Callum Regan, from Hafod – the brother of Benjamin and Leon Simons – was also discovered. A phone belonging to Regan was found to contain evidence of involvement in drug supply.
Both Leon and Benjamin Simons have each been sentenced to six years in prison at Swansea Crown Court, whilst Regan will also spend a similar time-frame behind bars.
They will serve no more than half their sentences in custody before being released on licence to serve the remainder in the community.
Detective Sergeant Thomas Richardson said:
“These sentences are the latest proof that drugs do not pay, and that this activity will not be tolerated in our communities.
“Benjamin and Leon Simons and Callum Regan carried out their drugs operation with complete disregard for the safety and wellbeing of others – including their own family members.
“They will now rightfully begin a lengthy prison sentence, and our communities are safer as a result.”
[Lead image: South Wales Police]
