A drug dealer who claimed he grew cannabis in his house to meet the rent has been jailed by Cardiff Crown Court.
Sean Collins, 46, of Commercial Street, Senghenydd, was jailed for 16 months on Tuesday, January 26, after he admitted charges of producing cannabis, possessing it with intent to supply, damaging a gas meter, and stealing gas.
The court was told how Gwent Police executed a warrant at his home in May last year and found 15 plants.
He told officers: “I sell by word of mouth. This is the third time I have grown it. It’s because I was in arrears with the rent.”
Cardiff Crown Court was told that his last crop of cannabis had brought him £6,000 in cash and that the plants seized during the raid were worth around £9,000.
Collins, who has a 88 previous offences to his name, had managed to remove his gas meter, giving him free gas, and also rigged the electrics so that his plants could get the right amount of light to grow.
Caerphilly Inspector, Gareth Jones said: “I want to reassure residents that we’ll continue to pursue those involved in illegal drug activity and thank the public for reporting such matters to us.
“This sentence sends a clear message to those involved in or considering in being involved in drug use and supply that it won’t be tolerated by the general public, police or courts.”