Cannabis Dealer Caught Counting Cash in Customer Car in Swansea

A court heard about a cannabis dealer named George Tovey. Police caught him counting cash in a customer’s car in Swansea. Tovey had over £1,600 in banknotes on his lap. Police looked at his phone and saw he sold cannabis for a year, offering strains like “orange pie” and “RS11.” He primarily used Telegram to conduct his sales.

Emily Bennett, the prosecutor, explained that a police officer witnessed what appeared to be a drug deal on January 21st. The officer observed a man entering a car parked on Philadelphia Lane, leading him to suspect a drug transaction. He subsequently followed Tovey to a house located nearby on Neath Road.

Later, the same officer returned with a colleague and found Tovey in the same car, in the same lane. They approached the vehicle, identified themselves as police, and observed Tovey in possession of a significant amount of cash, totaling £1,650. The VW driver admitted to purchasing cannabis, specifically eight ounces for a friend. He then directed officers to a rucksack containing two more ounces he had bought earlier.

A search of Tovey’s home revealed over £1,980 in cash. They located 3,896g of cannabis bud and 72g of cannabis resin, alongside empty bags, scales, and cocaine. The estimated street value of the cannabis was up to £26,475.

Evidence showed Tovey and the VW driver had arranged a deal to meet on Philadelphia Lane for “orange pie” and “RS11.” Tovey’s Telegram channel, used for selling cannabis, had 880 members.

George Tovey, 23 years old and residing on Neath Road in Swansea, admitted to intending to supply cannabis, possessing criminal money, and possessing cocaine. He also had previous convictions, including possessing Class C drugs.

Ryan Bowen, defending Tovey, stated that his client regretted his actions and sold cannabis to fund his addiction. He highlighted the hardships Tovey had faced, including PTSD resulting from a stabbing in 2020. Bowen emphasized Tovey’s work ethic and his desire to pursue a career in tree surgery.

Judge Christian Jowett noted Tovey was counting money in a Hafod lane and possessing over three kilos of cannabis at his home. The police also found tools for facilitating drug sales. Considering Tovey’s guilty plea, the judge handed down a reduced sentence of 14 months, suspended for 18 months, requiring him to complete a rehab course and adhere to a 7pm to 7am curfew for three months.