Drug gang’s cocaine plot rocked after caught plying their trade in town pub

Three drug dealers have been convicted of supplying cocaine in Hereford. It comes after Lee Jones and Lewis Hughes-Cound were arrested on March 11 this year at a pub in the city.

Officers from Hereford Proactive CID had been tipped off that the pair were involved. Hughes-Cound, 26, was found in possession of Class A drugs and Jones, 37, with cash.

A search of addresses linked to the suspects led to the discovery of a large quantity of cocaine with a street value of £11,500. Police also recovered scales, cash, business bags and other drug paraphernalia.

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A third dealer, Emelia Lal, was also charged following the discovery. The 24-year-old, of Whitecross Road, Hereford, pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine.

He received a 21-month suspended sentence at Worcester Crown Court. Lee Jones, of Whitecross Road, Hereford, pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine. He was sentenced to three years in prison.

Lewis Hughes-Cound, of Hever Road, Lower Bullingham, Hereford, pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine and possessing cocaine and was jailed for 33 months.

Detective Constable Verity Farr, of Hereford CID, said: “We welcome yesterday’s sentence, which reflects the seriousness of the offence. The supply of controlled drugs in our communities causes misery and suffering and destroys lives.

“CID Proactive Team officers work tirelessly to tackle the supply of drugs and work with partners to ensure that those who cause harm to our communities are relentlessly pursued and brought to justice. Jones, Lal and Hughes-Cound were involved in a drug supply operation, profiting financially from the suffering of others.

“Their jailings simply mark another step in the fight against drug supply and officers continue to pursue those operating at the highest levels of crime.”