Newport Drug Dealer Slammed with Four-and-a-Half Years Behind Bars
Lester Gibson, 46, from Bettws, Newport, has been locked up for 4½ years after admitting to dealing heroin and cocaine. The sentence was handed down at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Thursday, March 6.
Multiple Drug Charges Bring Down Dealer
Gibson pleaded guilty to several offences including possession with intent to supply Class A drugs – heroin and cocaine. The court heard he ran a drug line from his Bettws flat, where police seized cash, mobile phones, digital scales, and a tick list of stolen items such as jackets and gift sets.
During a warrant in October 2024, officers from Gwent Police’s Serious and Organised Crime team swooped on Gibson’s address and uncovered the illegal operation.
Partner in Crime Also Caught
A 39-year-old man, who appeared with Gibson in one of the cases, pleaded guilty to supplying cocaine and possession of a firearm without a certificate. Unlike Gibson, he received a suspended sentence.
Both men had previously been arrested in December 2022 after police recovered a bag of Class A drugs and a stash of £6,681.48 cash from another Bettws address.
Gwent Police Take a Strong Stand
“Drugs fill our communities with misery, suffering and fear and people like Gibson prey upon the vulnerable,” said Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Edwards of Gwent Police.
“We welcome the public’s help, as it gives us insight into local drug activity. This allows us to target and dismantle these operations, bring offenders to justice, and boost public confidence in our work.”
Gibson admitted to a string of offences including possession of crack cocaine, handling stolen goods, possession with intent to supply cannabis, and multiple charges related to Class A drugs.