Police surveillance revealed that Robert Andrews Jr. operated a massive drug operation despite his ordinary appearance. The 34-year-old father lived modestly and wore work clothes while orchestrating cocaine and heroin sales worth millions. Detectives discovered Andrews through WhatsApp messages found on another dealer's phone during an unrelated investigation. Officers conducted nine months of covert surveillance under Operation Mayland.
Andrews used a secluded woodland clearing near the M4 motorway for drug exchanges. Police filmed him conducting deals involving kilograms of cocaine and payments exceeding £100,000. He employed bank note serial numbers as authentication tokens when transferring money to suppliers. Within two weeks, Andrews made six payments totaling £650,000 to his sources.
Authorities arrested Andrews before Christmas 2023 after raiding his home. Newport Crown Court sentenced him to 14 years and eight months' imprisonment. His associate, Samuel Takahashi, received eight years, while supplier Nathan Jones got 18 years. Police also prosecuted courier Rahail Mehrban and Andrews' mother for their roles.
Andrews used a secluded woodland clearing near the M4 motorway for drug exchanges. Police filmed him conducting deals involving kilograms of cocaine and payments exceeding £100,000. He employed bank note serial numbers as authentication tokens when transferring money to suppliers. Within two weeks, Andrews made six payments totaling £650,000 to his sources.
Authorities arrested Andrews before Christmas 2023 after raiding his home. Newport Crown Court sentenced him to 14 years and eight months' imprisonment. His associate, Samuel Takahashi, received eight years, while supplier Nathan Jones got 18 years. Police also prosecuted courier Rahail Mehrban and Andrews' mother for their roles.
