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A drug dealer who “played a leading role” in the supply of cannabis and ketamine has been jailed for three years and eight months.

Connor Sainsbury, 21, of Brynhyfryd, Pontlottyn, was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court on Thursday December 7.

He pleaded guilty to being involved in the supply of cannabis and ketamine, as well as possession of an offensive weapon in a private place.

Sainsbury was arrested on June 13 as part of Gwent Police’s Operation Bergen, which targeted organised crime groups in the Rhymney area.

PC Rhys Jones, of Gwent Police, said: “Sainsbury played a leading role in the distribution and sale of ketamine and cannabis to dealers lower down the chain.

“He was part of a nationwide network of drug dealers leading back to Liverpool, benefitting from the sale of drugs and making a substantial amount of money in the process.”

PC Jones thanked Greater Manchester Police, which was also involved in the operation.

He continued: “The defendant was one of several arrests that took place in both Gwent and Manchester and the work of both services had led to this conviction, disrupting the supply of drugs into our service area.”

Sainsbury will be required to appear at a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing at a later date.