A DRUG dealing duo who ran a “booming” cocaine business despite the coronavirus outbreak have been jailed for a total of 12 years.

Friends Corrie Morgan, 24, and Grant McDonald, 23, both from Tredegar, were running an “organised crime enterprise” and would fix their own prices.

• Sign up to our Crime and Court newsletter to get all the day’s news direct to your inbox

Rosamund Rutter, prosecuting, told how the pair were behind an operation that flourished between December 2019 and October 2020.

South Wales Argus:

Grant McDonald​ flashing some cash

Cardiff Crown Court heard how an investigation into Caerphilly teenage drug dealers Adam O’Reilly and Kane Watkins led detectives to Morgan.

MORE NEWS

She said, according to Gwent Police drugs expert Detective Constable Sean Meyrick, that: “Morgan played a significant role with McDonald as his right hand man.

South Wales Argus:

Corrie Morgan

“It was an organised crime enterprise and business appeared to be booming, even during the pandemic.

“They had contacts with upscale suppliers.”

Morgan, of Ysguborwen, pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine and possession of cocaine with intent to supply.

South Wales Argus:

Grant McDonald

McDonald, of Princess Court, admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine.

The court heard how Morgan had a previous conviction for failing to provide a specimen and McDonald for drink driving.

Jeffrey Jones, representing Morgan, said the father-of-three had worked as a hygiene technician and was “contrite” about his crimes.

He added his client became involved in the supply of drugs after becoming addicted to cocaine.

South Wales Argus:

Police recovered cocaine from Morgan's bedroom

Kevin Seal, for McDonald, asked the court to give the defendant the appropriate credit for his guilty plea.

His barrister added: “He has made a foolish mistake at an early stage of his life.

“He feels like he has left down his family more than himself.”

Judge Jeremy Jenkins told the defendants: “Class A drugs account for almost all the crime which comes through these courts.

South Wales Argus:

The court heard Morgan would brag about how much cash he could make

“It is an awful trade. It is a dead end gentlemen. It goes nowhere.

“Mr Morgan, you boasted about the money you had and the money you were making.”

Morgan was jailed for six years six months and McDonald for five years and six months.

The defendants are due to face a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing in June.

Outside the court, Police Constable Lauren Poole, the officer in the case, said: “Corrie Morgan and Grant McDonald clearly demonstrated their motivation for financial gain during their illicit drugs operation.

“They did not give a second thought about the damage they were causing to their community.

“The supply of controlled drugs ruins the lives of those in the communities.

“We’re dedicated to disrupting organised crime with Gwent.

"We hope this serves as a clear warning to all those involved in the supply of controlled drugs that this will simply not be tolerated; we thoroughly welcome the sentences imposed on both defendants by the court.

“The information we receive from the public is vital in our efforts to tackle the supply of drugs.

“If you have any information that may assist us in tackling these issues you can contact us via 101, via direct message on social media or report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”