Crack dealing Cab driver took Cocaine to stay awake behind the wheel

A cab driver from Wales has been jailed for three years after he admitted being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine, supplying crack, possession of crack with intent to supply, and possession of cocaine. 27-year-old Rhys Hearn was arrested after police became suspicious when he pulled up at a bus stop in Pentregethin Road to pick up a woman and then dropped her off 300-yards further down the road. Officers who were patrolling in an unmarked police vehicle decided to follow Hearn’s who was driving his cab. The police eventually stopped the cab in the St Thomas area and searched the vehicle. During their search they found a Kinder egg containing 10 wraps of 65% pure crack, £265 in cash, and a burner phone containing messages relating to the supply of drugs. A small quantity of 77% pure cocaine was also found in a small zip-lock bag. Hearn told the police officers that he was just trying to make ends meet and that he had sold seven wraps of crack already that evening at the price of £25 each. The court heard how Hearn’s had sold the equivalent of £575 worth the week before, keeping £175 for himself and giving the rest to his supplier. Defending Hearn, Matt Henson said his client was taking cocaine to deal with depression following a family bereavement and used the drug to also keep himself awake during long late night shifts. The court heard that Hearn became addicted to the drug and turned to dealing as to fund his own supply of cocaine. As reported in the Wales Online, Hearn had previous convictions for a public order matter, battery, and possession of Class A and Class B drugs. He held his cab licence since 2016 but has since had it revoked. Judge Keith Thomas jailed Hearn for three years and ordered for the drugs to be destroyed.

(Image credit: South Wales Police)