Two Newport men jailed for drug dealing. They showed no concern for the harm they caused.
Videos and pictures showed lots of cannabis. Police saw activity between Rudge and “Lordy” on his phone. They raided Lord’s place October 24, finding 19 grams of cannabis there.
Cops arrested Rudge November 13 on the M4 as he drove his Seat Ibiza car. Police took two phones from Rudge’s car, which had proof he sold cannabis. Rudge messaged about his cannabis strains.
Lord’s phone had messages from 2022. He wrote, “got snow in” and listed deal sizes. The messages showed Rudge directed Lord, overseeing the street dealing of cannabis.
Lord’s lawyer said he dealt due to stress and showed genuine remorse. Rudge’s lawyer said he knew he would go to jail, calling him “an intelligent bloke” who made bad choices. Both lawyers revealed they used the drugs they sold.
The judge sentenced Lord for three crimes: supplying cocaine, conspiring to supply cannabis, and possessing cannabis. Rudge faced only a cannabis supply charge.
Lord got 32 months in prison. His early plea and clean record helped. Rudge’s phone had drug photos and he commented on the cannabis quality. He led the operation somewhat, with the judge giving him three years in jail.
Rudge had 11 past convictions including drugs and theft, and was also on license then. Both men must serve 40% of their terms, after which they get released on licence.
A police inspector spoke about the case, stating they found messages linking Rudge and Lord to drug sales. The investigation revealed over 100 pages of messages showing Rudge directed others to deal drugs and collect cash.
They identified Lord running a drug line, advertising cocaine and cannabis in Newport. Drugs bring “misery, suffering” and “fear”, he said, noting Rudge and Lord exploited vulnerable people. The police inspector stated they sought profits only and did not care about the pain inflicted.
Tips from the public are very helpful in fighting drug gangs. That helps them bring people like Rudge and Lord to justice.