A GROUP of men caught with a significant quantity of cocaine during a late-night police stop in Pembroke Dock have been sentenced to a total of nine years and four months behind bars.

Swansea Crown Court heard that officers stopped a vehicle near the Ferry Lane industrial estate at around 2:00am on November 16. Inside were Akmaal Elsiddiq, Toby Thomas, and Zain Habib, with police detecting the scent of cannabis as they approached.

Thomas, from Three Meadows in Haverfordwest, admitted he had used cannabis earlier that evening, while Elsiddiq was found carrying 3.5 grams of the drug. A search of the car uncovered approximately 70 grams of cocaine, three mobile phones, drug-related items, and £245.08 in cash.

Further inquiries led officers to Thomas’ residence, where they discovered a plastic container holding 26 grams of white powder. In total, law enforcement seized 99.94 grams of cocaine, with an estimated street value of £10,094.

Elsiddiq, who had previous convictions including robbery and drug offences, was already serving a suspended sentence at the time of his arrest. Thomas, 24, had been convicted of drug-driving in the past, while 19-year-old Habib had no prior offences.

All three defendants pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine with intent to supply and possessing criminal property. Additionally, Elsiddiq admitted to cannabis possession and breaching a suspended sentence.

Defence counsel for Elsiddiq, Ashanti-Jade Walton, said his troubled upbringing and lack of stable housing had contributed to his involvement in crime. Jon Tarrant, representing Thomas, told the court that his client had been deeply addicted to cocaine but was now attempting to turn his life around. Mr Edwards, defending Habib, argued that his client had been pressured into participating in an already-established drug operation.

Sentencing the men, Judge Paul Thomas KC said: “You were all well aware of the consequences of selling Class A drugs, yet you chose to take that gamble.”

Elsiddiq received a four-year, four-month prison term, which included the activation of his suspended sentence. Thomas was sentenced to two years and nine months, while Habib was jailed for two years and four months.