Drug dealers jailed for 12 years

The court heard how cannabis resin was hidden

Two drug dealers have been jailed for a total of 12 years at Cardiff Crown Court for supplying cannabis worth more than £1m.

Drug squad officers stopped a transit van near Newport, south-east Wales, and found bars of cannabis resin destined to be sold across south Wales.

The drugs were part of a half-ton consignment stored at a Shropshire engineering factory owned by 40-year-old businessman Michael Hammonds.

Lawrence Shapcott, 33, acted as courier, hiring the van to transport the cannabis to south Wales.

Shapcott, of Pontygwindy Road, Caerphilly, admitted three charges of supplying cannabis and one charge of possessing cannabis with intent to supply.

He was jailed for seven years.

Hammonds, of Finchfield, Wolverhampton, admitted three charges of supplying cannabis and one charge of possessing cannabis with intent to supply.

He was jailed for five years.