A MAN who was arrested as part of a £1 million cocaine bust admitted being part of the Gwent-based drugs ring behind it today.

Neil Strange, who is originally from Blaina but now lives on Broadsands Avenue in Paignton, Devon, was arrested when National Crime Agency officers seized eight kilograms of cocaine and £135,000 in a lock up at the Cwm Crachen travellers’ site in August 2014.

Representing Strange, Nick Barraclough said the 61-year-old was 'crystal clear' of the risk that he could go to prison when he appears at Cardiff Crown Court again for his sentencing on December 10.

And he admitted two counts of conspiring to supply a class A drug between July 1, 2014 and August 20, 2014.

Martyn Pagett, 32, of Gwent Terrace, Blaina, had already pleaded guilty to his role in supplying cocaine when he appeared at Cardiff Crown Court on November 16.

Pagett will be sentenced with Strange next month and the court was told that he had drug supplying links based as far away as Scotland.

Strange – who is understood to have played a lesser role of the two defendants in the plot - and Pagett were both originally charged for their part in the drugs plan in February.

The NCA said Pagett was managing the travellers’ site at the time the drugs haul was discovered and arrested by NCA officers based at its Wales branch.

The Recorder of Cardiff Judge Eleri Rees released Strange on bail until his next court appearance in 10 days’ time – but his barrister said he was appearing at court “knowing that he was at risk of losing his liberty” immediately yesterday.