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A drug dealer who “acted as a middle man” in a dedicated drug line has been jailed for three years.

Zack Hobbs, 26, of Severn Close, Pontymister, was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court on March 24.

He pleaded guilty to being involved in the supply of cocaine and MDMA, as well as possession of class B drug ketamine.

Hobbs was arrested after being stopped by police in September, with analysis of his phone revealing his involvement in the drugs line.

Detective Constable Isaac Gott, of Gwent Police, said: “Hobbs was acting as a middle man facilitating the supply of cocaine to a dedicated drugs line based mainly in the Risca area called the ‘A-Line’.

“This line has since been dismantled by officers.

“He was arrested after officers found a quantity of ketamine in his possession. He was also found to be facilitating the supply of MDMA.”

The court heard how Hobbs, who has a previous conviction for assault dating back to 2018, had been affected by the death of his grandfather, who had been a father figure to him.

The court was told Hobbs turned to drugs to cope with the loss, before selling drugs to pay for his habit.

DC Gott added: “Drugs often ruin lives and exploit vulnerable members of our community – they often lead to other forms of criminal activity.

“We will continue to target those whose criminal activities blight the lives of communities across Gwent, bringing people before the courts and removing drugs from our streets.

“Anyone with any information about people involved in illegal drug activity can call us on 101 or direct message us on Facebook or Twitter. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”