A DRUG dealer led police to his cannabis supply hidden in a suitcase in his bedroom after they raided his flat.
Aaron McKeown, 23, of Allen Close, Bettws, Newport, was caught with dope which had a potential street value of £1,500 following the bust two years ago.
Tom Roberts, prosecuting, said: “On August 6, 2019, at around 7.15pm, police officers executed a search warrant at a Newport address where this defendant was with others.
“He approached an officer and admitted there were drugs in the property and told them where they were.
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“They were in a suitcase that was in his bedroom.”
Cardiff Crown Court heard police seized cannabis with a street value of between £1,000 and £1,500.
They also found a mobile phone belonging to McKeown which had drug-related text messages.
Mr Roberts said there were texts arranging deliveries and the sale of drugs to other dealers.
He added: “There was an expectation of significant financial gain in this case.”
McKeown pleaded guilty to possessing a class B drug with intent to supply.
Scott Bowen, mitigating, said: “The defendant was selling to those he knew.
“This was low-level dealing.
“He gave the police the PIN number for his phone which were the keys to the castle.”
Mr Bowen added: “He has a stable accommodation – he lives with his mother – and stable employment.
“He has been assessed as posing a low risk of reoffending.”
The court was told the defendant was a man of previous good character with no convictions to his name.
The judge, Recorder David O’Mahony, told McKeown: “You said you made a stupid mistake and you lost an apprenticeship as a result of your arrest.
“You have now found employment and you are said to make a great contribution to your company.”
The defendant was jailed for four months, suspended for 12 months.
He must carry out 100 hours of unpaid work and complete a 10-day rehabilitation activity requirement.
McKeown has to pay £400 prosecution costs and a victim surcharge.
Recorder O’Mahony ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the cannabis.
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