Drug money paid for ‘Kardashian’ lifestyle for drug dealer and his girlfriend

A cocaine dealer and his girlfriend have been jailed after she bragged on social media of their ‘Kim Kardashian’ lifestyle of designer clothes, Rolex watches, and flash holidays.

Drug dealer Mark Price, 27, of Coed Y Wennol, Glenfields, Caerphilly, was jailed for a total of seven years after admitting charges of possessing cocaine with intent to supply, being concerned in the supply of cocaine and fraud.

Girlfriend Emily Lock, 22, of Cae Du Mawr, Energlyn, posted pictures on Instagram of Vivienne Westwood handbags, Gucci sunglasses, Christian Louboutin shoes and Christian Dior perfume.

The couple also went on holiday to Amsterdam, Paris, Spain, Miami, and Dubai in a single year – and also had a trip to Thailand booked when they were arrested.

After admitting acquiring criminal property, Lock, who gained three A’s at A-Level and studied law and criminology at university, was sentenced to 15 months in prison.

Sentencing the pair at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Monday, March 9, Judge Thomas Crowther described Price’s drug operation as a “long-term commercial enterprise” which was very profitable.

The judge also said he had received letters from family and teachers of Lock stating she was of “good character” but also that they “struggled to reconcile what they knew of her with what she had done”.

At a previous hearing, her defence barrister tried to explain her behaviour by claiming that “many young people today are fixated by a Kim Kardashian type of lifestyle.”

The pair spent a total of £100,000 of drug money – a far cry from Lock’s day job as a £10,000 a year part-time checkout assistant at Lidl.

The court heard how a raid on Price’s home in September 2017 turned up 110g of cocaine at 83% purity and £50,000 of goods were found at Lock’s home. When interviewed by the police, Lock at first claimed that she did not know her boyfriend was a drug dealer.

Price boasted in a message found on a seized mobile that he made £1,600 a week from the dealing. That message was sent to his “subordinate” and fellow drug gang member Kyle Crowley.

The court heard police raided Crowley and his partner Dionne Thomas’ home in Plasturtwyn Terrace, Llanbradach, and found 12 cannabis plants with a potential street value of up to £8,000. Officers also discovered £4,000 in cash, which Thomas admitted hiding.

She also admitted that she knew it was drug money and that she had allowed it through her bank account.

Crowley, 28, was jailed for five years after he admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine, producing cannabis and supplying cannabis.

Thomas, 25, admitted acquiring criminal property and was given a community order for her to complete 120 hours of unpaid work.

Further examination of Price’s phone also led police to 30-year-old Christopher Morgan, of Green Hill Close, Penybryn, near Ystrad Mynach. At a raid on his home in January this year, police found 30 cannabis plants in his attic. He admitted producing and supplying cannabis and was jailed for 20 months.

PC Michael Coles, officer in charge of the case for Gwent Police, said: “I hope the sentences issued to these individuals highlight that the supply of controlled drugs will not be tolerated in Caerphilly.

“These people endanger our community, and this lengthy investigation shows we are committed to using all powers and resources available to bring them before the courts.

“I hope this sends a message to those who continue to be involved in the supply of controlled drugs, that you will not just be prosecuted, we will also use our powers to seize any financial assets you have acquired though criminality.”