A DIM drug dealer was caught by police after he filmed himself counting wads of cash in front of a kilo of heroin.

Saif Ali was videoed with fellow drug pusher Daniel Imtiaz boasting about how much money they were making.

Prosecutor Matthew Cobbe said Ali was arrested after detectives found the incriminating footage on Imtiaz’s mobile phone.

He told Cardiff Crown Court: “They were confident and showing off their wads of cash.

“There are a number of videos.

MORE NEWS: Mob leader jailed after pub was smashed up ‘Wild West’ style

“They show this defendant counting wads of cash in what seems to be the presence a kilo of heroin.

“There is another video showing him supplying drugs to another male.”

Mr Cobbe added how Ali had 470 drug-related messages on his phone over the space of just seven days.

He said: “The defendant would send out text bombs.

“There were 153 contacts sent a message offering, ‘Banging best of both’.

“This referred to heroin and cocaine.”

This was the 26-year-old Ali’s third conviction for drug trafficking.

The defendant, of Capel Crescent, Newport, pleaded guilty to supplying heroin and cocaine.

He also admitted two counts of the possession of criminal property – cash.

The offences were committed in August.

Ali was locked up for trafficking class drugs in 2016 and 2019.

Kevin Seal, representing him, asked the court to take into account his client’s guilty pleas.

His barrister also stressed how the defendant was now “trapped” in a vicious cycle where he owed money to other drug dealers.

Judge Timothy Petts told Ali: “You were filming yourself and this is not the first time you have been caught supplying class A drugs.

“You were also doing so at a time when you were on licence which is an aggravating factor.”

He jailed him for five years and 219 days.

Imtiaz, 20, of Somerton Park, Newport, was sent to a young offender institution for three years in September.

He admitted possession of heroin with intent to supply, possession of crack cocaine with intent to supply and possession of criminal property.

Outside the court, Gwent Police’s officer in charge of Ali’s case, PC Kieran Butcher, said: “We identified Ali as being involved in the supply of class A drug as part of an ongoing investigation.

“His sentence reflects our commitment to pursuing those involved in drug crime.

“I would encourage anyone who has any information about those involved in such activity to contact us so we can take action, prevent these drugs getting into our communities and bring offenders to justice.”

Ali is set to face a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing at a date to be listed.