Barry drug dealer re-arrested after prison release jailed for six years

South Wales Police say 'Not laughing now'

2 minutes read

| Iestyn Raven filmed himself speaking to Universal Credit. Images: SWP

A DRUG dealer who featured in a South Wales Police story after being jailed for running a major drugs line has been jailed again immediately following his release from prison.

In January, 2025, Iestyn Raven, 24, from Barry, was sentenced to 40 months in prison after admitting offences connected to the supply of crack cocaine and heroin throughout the Vale of Glamorgan.

The case attracted significant attention after officers recovered video footage showing Raven laughing and joking while pretending to call Universal Credit using a bundle of cash believed to be the proceeds of drug dealing.

At the time, Detective Inspector Tim Jones said Raven was “certainly not laughing now” as he was sent to prison for his role in supplying dangerous Class A drugs.

Now, following his release and subsequent recall to prison, Raven has once again been a jailed, this time for six years, following a fresh investigation by South Wales Police into the “Reggie” drugs line.

Investigators believe the line continued operating across the Vale of Glamorgan between January and May 2026, advertising the sale of crack cocaine and heroin to customers using the same distinctive branding and messaging style linked to Raven’s previous conviction.

Officers identified a series of similarities between the original drugs line and the latest operation, including marketing messages, contact patterns, customer communications and the timing of the line’s activity.

The investigation also identified that the drugs line ceased operating immediately following Raven’s arrest and recall to prison in May 2026, mirroring the circumstances surrounding his arrest in September 2024, when the original “Reggie” line also fell silent.

Detectives were waiting for Raven outside Cardiff prison on 16th July, 2026 and arrested him as he stepped out of the prison gate.

He was charged with being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin and was jailed for six years at Cardiff crown court on 29th October 2026.

Detective Constable Daniel Davies, said: “This investigation demonstrates our determination to target those who continue to profit from the misery caused by Class A drugs.

“Despite having previously received a substantial prison sentence, Raven once again found himself at the centre of a drugs supply operation.

“The communities of the Vale of Glamorgan can be reassured that we will continue to relentlessly pursue those involved in the supply of illegal drugs and bring them before the courts.”

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