A criminal network caused suffering to communities across South Wales, according to a senior officer following the sentencing of nine men to a combined total exceeding 40 years in prison.

Detective Inspector Vinnie Easton, representing the regional organised crime unit Tarian, criticised the offenders for the distress they had inflicted upon the public.

The criminal enterprise was distributing both cocaine and cannabis throughout Newport, Caldicot, Abertillery, Swansea, Merthyr Tydfil and the wider South West England area.

Tarian collaborated with Gwent Police and Gloucestershire Constabulary to establish Operation Allegro, which ultimately dismantled the network.

DI Easton stated that this had been an extensive and complicated investigation into an organised crime group who aimed to profit from the harm they caused to local communities, and expressed hope that these jail terms would assure the public of Southern Wales that Tarian remained dedicated to combatting drug distribution across the region and ensuring those responsible faced consequences. Members of the public with information about individuals involved in drug supply were urged to contact the police via the 101 telephone number, while those wishing to provide information anonymously could do so through Crimestoppers by dialling 0800 555 111 or by submitting a form on their website.

The operation was headed by Danny Tomlin from Gloucestershire, who operated his illegal business under the guise of a garden centre business named Kitts Green Nursery. According to Roger Griffiths, prosecuting, Louis Maxwell from Newport served as his trusted associate.

Tomlin managed two cannabis cultivation sites in Pontllanfraith, Blackwood and in Porth, Rhondda Cynon Taf, which police closed down during the previous summer.

Certain members of the network engaged in the distribution of both class A and class B controlled substances during the period spanning January 2025 to June 2025.

Mr Griffiths informed Cardiff Crown Court that investigators had placed surveillance equipment inside vehicles operated by defendant Tomlin, with recordings capturing discussions regarding the raids in Pontllanfraith and Porth, as well as conversations about intentions to expand cannabis cultivation and outstanding debts.

The offenders and their respective custodial terms were as follows:

Louis Maxwell, aged 39, from Newport received a nine-year sentence after admitting guilt to charges of conspiracy to supply cocaine and conspiracy to supply cannabis.

Ryan Battersby, aged 36, residing at Buttermere Way, Newport was sentenced to six years imprisonment having been found guilty of conspiracy to supply cocaine and conspiracy to supply cannabis.

Danny Tomlin, aged 40, from Valley Road, Wotton-under-Edge was ordered to serve ten years and ten months after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine, conspiracy to supply cannabis and cannabis cultivation offences.

Ashley Coughlan, aged 42, of Caerleon Road, Newport was handed a prison term of three years and nine months after being convicted of conspiracy to supply cocaine.

Bradley Williams, aged 38, formerly of Abertillery and now residing at Llanrhidian Holiday Park, Swansea received a sentence of five years and nine months after admitting conspiracy to supply cannabis, offering to supply cocaine, offering to supply ketamine and possessing criminal property.

Jack Griffin, aged 21, of Westfield Way, Newport was sentenced to six months imprisonment after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply cannabis. He will be released immediately as he has already served the equivalent time in custody.

Christopher Preston, aged 68, of Lawnside, Forest Green, Nailsworth, Gloucestershire was jailed for five years after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and conspiracy to supply cannabis.

David Gorman, aged 41, of Manor Lane, Charfield, South Gloucestershire was ordered to serve four years and four months after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine.

Kory Preece, aged 25, of Mabey Drive, Chepstow received a 15-month jail sentence suspended for two years after being found guilty of conspiracy to supply cannabis, along with a requirement to complete 180 hours of unpaid work and a ten-day rehabilitation activity programme.