Cocaine Dealer “Working the Pubs” in Neath Jailed After Undercover Police Sting

A cocaine dealer who was “working the pubs” of Neath has been jailed after undercover officers caught him carrying out street‑level deals outside a town‑centre bar.

Stewart Parker, 34, was spotted by plain‑clothed officers from a specialist organised crime team on February 5 this year. They saw him repeatedly entering and leaving Merlin’s Bar on Windsor Road before approaching a parked car and carrying out what appeared to be a drug deal.

Officers moved in and detained him. Parker immediately admitted he had cocaine in his wallet. A search uncovered five snap‑seal bags containing underweight half‑gram deals. He told officers:

> “I don’t take it… I’m dealing to make money to get out of debt. It is stupid.”

A search of his home found more cocaine, weighing scales and traces of benzocaine — a common cutting agent.

Dealer’s phone revealed he was “working the pubs”

Parker gave police the PIN to his iPhone. Messages showed he had been actively supplying cocaine, including texts saying he was “working the pubs in Neath”. Officers also found conversations with his “upstream supplier”.

That supplier was identified as Sophie Rees, 34. Police tracked her down the next day to her parents’ home, where she was caught setting up a new phone and SIM card — believed to be an attempt to destroy evidence after learning of Parker’s arrest.

Rees was found with £1,690 in cash, which she claimed came from selling horses. Both she and Parker answered “no comment” in interview.

Both admit cocaine supply

Parker, of Wern Road, Skewen, and Rees, of Southgate Street, Melin, Neath, pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine. Rees also admitted possession of criminal property.

Parker has 12 previous convictions, including burglary and two assaults. Rees has five, including public disorder and possession of an offensive weapon.

Defence: Debt, grief and drug use

Parker’s barrister said he was “thoroughly ashamed” and had previously worked as a carer while studying health and social care with the Open University. Debt, she said, pushed him into dealing.

Rees’ barrister said she was a “devoted mother” who had stayed out of trouble for 14 years until 2025, which had been a “particularly difficult year” following her grandfather’s death. Her cocaine use escalated, leading to significant debts.

Judge: Class A drugs “blight communities”

Judge Geraint Walters said Neath, like many towns, had a “profound problem” with drugs.

> “Class A drugs not only blight the health of those addicted but blight communities where decent people live and work.”

He said dealing was a “mug’s game” motivated by either addiction or greed, and that all dealers know the consequences if caught.

Both jailed for three years

With credit for their guilty pleas:

- Parker was jailed for three years  

- Rees was also jailed for three years  

Both will serve up to half their sentences in custody before being released on licence.