Drug dealer from Newport caught red-handed with 800g of cannabis

Andre Brown, 22, was arrested earlier this year following a raid on his home in the Somerton area of ​​Newport.

Prosecutor Roger Griffiths told Cardiff Crown Court: “The facts of this case are very clear.

“On April 8, there was a police investigation into a drug offense.

“One of the most closely investigated people was this defendant, and so they went to his house, an address in Somerton Park in Newport.

“During the search, 818.34g of cannabis were seized.

“Mr Brown did not comment on the questions put to him.”

The defendant, from Somerton Park, pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis with intent to resell.

Brown has no previous drug convictions, but his record includes violent crimes, traffic offenses and property damage.

His lawyer Ross McQuillan-Johnson said: “The defendant wishes to apologise to the court for his actions.

“He understands the global impact this crime has had.

“This is the first time in custody and this time has been used well.

“He has worked in a position of trust for three months and is a prisoner with an enhanced sentence. He certainly has no intention of following the path that may have been created for him.”

Because Brown had served a sentence equivalent to ten months in prison while on remand, Judge Eugene Egan informed him that he had already served the “punishment portion” of any sentence.

The defendant was sentenced to a 12-month community sentence and was required to undergo 15 days of rehabilitation and pay victim compensation.

Before Brown left the dock, Judge Egan told him: “I hope you will use this as an opportunity to turn your life around and improve your future prospects.”

“You’re only 22. If you work hard, you have a good future ahead of you.”

He ordered the seizure and destruction of the drugs.