CCTV caught Aberdare teenager dealing drugs
A 19-year-old from Aberdare has been convicted at Merthyr Crown Court.
Owen Waters, from Belmont Terrace, was spotted by a local authority CCTV operator acting suspiciously in the town centre.
On Friday, 3rd March 2018, the operator spotted a Hyundia making what appeared to be a drug deal to another man who was on foot, and they followed the vehicle using the network of cameras, to the Tesco car park before alerting police.
Minutes later, at 10.40pm, officers arrived and searched Waters.
He was caught in possession of just a gram of cocaine but also found in the vehicle were some digital scales and zip lock bags which indicated that he was involved in the supply of drugs.
He pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing and was given a suspended sentence at Merthyr Crown Court on Tuesday, 4th December 2018.
Inspector Rob Blunt, said: “We have had problems with anti-social behaviour in Aberdare which have been well documented. Often this has been fuelled by alcohol or illegal drugs. Low-level drug suppliers such as Owen meet that demand which often translates into crime and anti-social behaviour. His willingness to fuel it for his own personal gain should be punished – he is on our radar and faces jail if he re-offends. I hope this process will be enough to make him change his ways.
“This case also demonstrates the value of CCTV in a busy town – I’d like to commend the operator who was vigilant and assisted us on that night.”
Owen Waters was also ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work.
