Teenager forced to sell crack for Cardiff and Vale dealers

Lewis Hannay, of Dinas Powys, Smyler Tucker, of Splott, and Muhammad Gulzar, of Butetown, were convicted following an investigation by the Cardiff and Vale serious organised crime (SOC) team.

The men were arrested on March 4, 2026, and have since been sentenced to a combined total of more than 17 years in a young offender institution.

These criminals were operating as part of a drugs gang involved in child exploitation. (Image: South Wales Police)

Detective Chief Inspector Tim Jones said: “Not only were these men dealing drugs in our community, but they looked to exploit a young teenage boy to take the risks of distributing their drugs, while they reaped the financial rewards.

“This was an extensive investigation by the Serious Organised Crime team which left Hannay, Tucker, and Gulzar no choice but to plead guilty.”

Lewis Hannay was operating as part of a drugs gang involved in child exploitation. (Image: South Wales Police)

Hannay, 20, pleaded guilty to conspiring to supply a class A controlled drug (crack cocaine) and conspiring to require a person to perform forced or compulsory labour.

He was sentenced to six years and nine months in a young offender institution.

Tucker, also 20, pleaded guilty to conspiring to supply crack cocaine, conspiring to require a person to perform forced or compulsory labour, and possession with intent to supply a class B drug (cannabis).

He received a sentence of six years.

Gulzar, 20, pleaded guilty to the same charges as Tucker and was sentenced to five years and three months.

Lewis Hannay was operating as part of a drugs gang involved in child exploitation. (Image: South Wales Police)

DCI Jones said: “These men were found not only with drugs and the tools to distribute this within our communities, but the financial profits of this activity, all of which has been seized.

“Tackling organised crime is a priority for South Wales Police and we will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of criminals to protect communities from harm.”

He urged the public to report any concerns about drug activity or exploitation without hesitation.

He said: “If you suspect drug dealing is taking place or you are concerned that a young person or vulnerable child or adult may have been targeted by an organised crime group, please tell us.

“You don’t have to be certain, just concerned.”

Smyler Tucker was operating as part of a drugs gang involved in child exploitation. (Image: South Wales Police)

Police are also encouraging the public to be vigilant about the signs of child exploitation and modern slavery.

They are asking people to report anything suspicious if they believe someone is being mistreated or coerced.

Anyone with concerns about potential modern slavery or exploitation is urged to contact the UK modern slavery and exploitation helpline on 08000 121 700 or visit www.modernslaveryhelpline.org.

Reports can also be made anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.

Alternatively, South Wales Police can be contacted on 101.

If a crime is in progress or someone is in immediate danger, the public is advised to call 999 immediately.