A JUDGE has criticised Gwent Police for releasing two men who were caught in a car filled with cocaine and heroin and more than £1,800 in cash on bail, and allowing two others to leave the scene.

One of the men, 20-year-old Dalton Raffell, of Mostyn Road in Ely, appeared at Newport Crown Court today, while the second man has an outstanding arrest warrant.

The car Raffell was in was pulled over on October 31 last year on the B4257 in Rhymney in Caerphilly County Borough.

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Judge Geraint Walters asked Thomas Stanway – appearing for the prosecution – why Raffell and another of the occupants of the car were released on bail when found with these items.

“The police stopped a vehicle with multiple occupants, phones with messages relating to drugs, a large quantity of class A drugs, and large quantities of cash, then they released them?” he asked.

“Only the two were apprehended,” said Mr Stanway. “The other two left the scene and proceedings have not followed.”

The second man who was arrested was released on bail, the court heard, but now “remains outstanding on a warrant.”

Judge Walters said: “It seems to me that the police need to understand that taking drug dealers off the streets, it is a priority, but it can be wasted by releasing people under further investigation.”

Raffell, represented by Derrick Gooden, admitted one charge of possession of cocaine, but denied a charge of possession with intent to supply cocaine, one charge of possession with intent to supply heroin, one charge of possession of heroin, and one charge of possessing criminal property – relating to just over £1,800 of cash thought to be the profits from dealing drugs.

A provisional trial date was set for March 17, 2022, and Raffell was released on bail.

His curfew time was adjusted, and it is now active from 8pm to 6am.

“These are serious matters,” said Judge Walters. “If you are convicted you will receive a prison sentence.

“A curfew is necessary as you have been charged with serious offences.”