Nine criminals linked to a massive drugs network in Ely, Cardiff, have been hit with jail sentences totalling more than 45 years. The gang, led by Ricardo Brown, ran the notorious ‘MJ’ drug line, which flooded Cardiff and South Wales with Class A drugs.
Inside the MJ Drug Line Operation
The Cardiff and Vale Organised Crime Unit of South Wales Police cracked the gang wide open as part of Operation Sittella. Brown’s crew recruited teens and young adults as runners, using e-bikes to swiftly deliver drugs and collect cash.
Police seized a mountain of damning evidence, including videos and photos showing members ‘cooking’ crack cocaine, weighing up drugs, and flashing large amounts of cash. One social media snap even showed Brown and two others posing in a flashy rented Lamborghini, flaunting their dirty money.
Investigation Ends Deadly Drug Line
The MJ line, active since 2020, ended when all nine members pleaded guilty to multiple drug offences following their arrest in December 2024. The court heard chilling details of a first-time heroin user who died after buying drugs from the gang in June 2020 – a death linked directly to the MJ operation.
Gang Sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court
- Ricardo Brown, 26, leader for four years – jailed for 12 years 5 months.
- Dylan Stanger, 25, Brown’s right-hand man – jailed for 7 years 9 months.
- Jaydon Watkins, Ely cannabis supplier – jailed for 3 years.
- Sam Hatton, 18, runner turned rival dealer – jailed for 5 years.
- Levi Robson, 24, managed supply and runners – jailed for 3 years 6 months.
- Ieuan Coombes, 21, dealt beyond Cardiff – jailed for 3 years 8 months.
- Lewis Adams, 27, wholesale cocaine supplier – jailed for 4 years 5 months.
- Thomas Haysham, 25, drug supplier – jailed for 5 years 10 months.
- Stacey Cassemis, 37, allowed use of home for cooking drugs – given 2 years suspended sentence.
The crackdown sends a clear message: South Wales police are ruthless in smashing organised crime that poisons communities.
