Richard Pryce
Possession with intent to supply heroin and cocaine *
Sentence
28 months imprisonment
Richard Pryce, from Llanfyllin, was found in possession of heroin and cocaine worth nearly £20,000 during a police search of his flat on January 14, 2021. Police seized 129 grams of heroin, additional drugs, £960 in cash, and drug paraphernalia, with the drugs valued at over £16,000 on the street. Despite his arrest, he continued involvement in drug activities, leading to another search on November 22, 2023, at an address in Meifod, where 2.4 grams of heroin worth £300 and 17.1 grams of cocaine worth £1,600 to £2,000 were found, along with messages on his phones related to drug deals and a throwing star as an offensive weapon. This pattern of behaviour stemmed from his long-term drug use, which intensified after his partner's death in 2019, resulting in debt and small-scale dealing to friends.
Pleaded guilty to nine charges, including possession with intent to supply heroin and cocaine, and being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs. He has previous convictions for possessing drugs but none for trafficking prior to 2021. The judge noted the significant amount of drugs and pressure on him, while his lawyer mentioned his drug use escalated after his partner's death in 2019, leading to a 'never-ending spiral' of addiction and debt.