TWO drug dealers flooding the streets of Gwent with amphetamine after it was being shipped into South Wales from Liverpool have been jailed.

Michael Pipe was a “junior partner” in a crime gang selling the “speed” while Matthew Heyes acted as a courier driving from Merseyside to pick up the profits.

The duo admitted being involved in a conspiracy involving the shipment of 25kg of amphetamine with a potential street value of £100,000.

Nigel Fryer, prosecuting, said: “Mr Heyes was a courier with an organised crime group based in Liverpool and was primarily involved in the collection of money.

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“He was the debt collector.

“Mr Pipe was purchasing the drugs and selling them on.

“They were arrested after a police operation involving mobile phone analysis, ANPR checks and covert surveillance.”

Pipe, 30, of Brynteg, Bedwas, Caerphilly, and Heyes, 38, of Narrow Lane, Clieves Hill, Aughton, West Lancashire, admitted conspiracy to supply amphetamine.

The offences took place between January and May 2020.

Cardiff Crown Court heard how Heyes had a previous conviction for a related offence for production of cannabis.

Christopher Rees, representing Pipe, a self-employed bricklayer, said: “The defendant describes this as the biggest mistake of his life.

“He’s a father who has shamed himself in the eyes of his children.”

Damian Nolan, for Heyes, said: “The defendant has shown genuine remorse.

“He lost his father through Covid and has had no physical contact with his family in the last 12 months after being held at Cardiff Prison.”

Judge David Wynn Morgan told the defendants: “You entered into this conspiracy for the sole purpose of making money.

“Amphetamine brings a considerable amount of misery and unpleasantness within the community.

“While being in custody you’ve had time to reflect on the misery it has brought on yourselves.”

Pipe was jailed for four years and Heyes sent to prison for three years.

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

Outside the court, Detective Sergeant Shelley Baynes, from Gwent Police’s organised crime unit, said: “These two defendants conspired with others to supply drugs as part of a Caerphilly-based organised crime group.

“This sentence sends a clear message to those who involve themselves in the supply of drugs that we will catch you and make sure you face the consequences of your actions.

“This operation is just one aspect of our continued fight to tackle serious and organised crime. We’re committed to keeping our communities safe from this sort of criminal activity.

“Drugs ruin lives and communities; it is criminals such as these two who profit from exploiting vulnerable people.

“Anyone with information, or those who are concerned about drug supply in their area, can contact us so we can continue to take action against this type of crime.

“Anyone with concerns can call us on 101, send us a direct message on our social media accounts or alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”