A 60-year-old man was discovered with cocaine hidden in his sock when searched at a police station, where he allegedly stated he did not know the cocaine was there.
Wesley Smith operated what a prosecutor described as a relatively sophisticated enterprise from his residence on Chepstow Road in Newport.
The method he employed was outlined in court by prosecutor Nik Strobl.
Customers seeking drugs would approach the rear of his building and deposit cash into a container attached to a rope. This container would be drawn down to them before being pulled back up.
Smith would subsequently toss crack cocaine down to buyers from a window on the upper floor.
What he apparently failed to consider or deliberately overlooked was a surveillance camera positioned behind the flat that documented this unlawful conduct.
Investigators uncovered compelling video evidence of the entire operation, Cardiff Crown Court was informed.
The accused, from Chepstow Road in Newport, entered guilty pleas to supplying crack cocaine, possessing cocaine with intent to supply, possessing crack cocaine, and possessing cocaine.
He additionally acknowledged having an offensive weapon on private premises after police discovered a ceremonial sword at his property.
The criminal activity took place between July 2025 and April of this year.
The prosecutor noted that the accused held an operational role within the distribution network.
Smith has a prior record of nine convictions covering 22 separate offences.
In 1993, he received a 30-month prison sentence for supplying a class A drug, though the specific substance was not detailed in proceedings.
The defendant, who had barrister Peter Donnison acting on his behalf, has a drug dependency and experiences mental health difficulties.
The court heard that Smith, who trained as a carpenter, looks after his brother who has a serious health condition.
Sentencing the defendant, Recorder Simon Hughes stated that the operation had been relatively sophisticated.
Smith received a three-year prison term that was suspended for the same duration.
He must fulfil a 15-day rehabilitation activity condition and will be subject to a nine-month rehabilitation activity requirement.
The defendant must additionally pay a statutory victim surcharge.