DRUGS cops who busted the Swansea Valley cocaine gang said the criminals thought they were untouchable.

The traffickers used their ill-gotten gains to enjoy lavish lifestyles and drive around in expensive cars.

But they were brought down by Operation New Mexico, which pursued them for 18 months in the lead up to their arrests.

Drugs barons David Carl Richards, 32, of Garth Road, Rhydyfro, Pontardawe, and Keri Lyn Pritchard, 34, of Alltywerin Road, Pontardawe are starting sentences of 12 years, and 9 years and 9 months, respectively.

They were collared in June, 2009, as part of a wider operation led by the Serious and Organised Crime Agency.

Inspector Jeff Handley of the Pontardawe neighbourhood policing team said: "These individuals are very well known in the Swansea Valley community and perceived themselves to be untouchable as far as the law is concerned.

Justice

"What this operation has clearly demonstrated is that no-one is above the law and anyone involved in serious organised crime will be brought to justice.

"These people peddled misery to vulnerable members of our community who, once hooked, had no escape.

"I am delighted with the support we have had from our communities and I know that they were frustrated seeing these individuals living lavish lifestyles and driving around in expensive cars."

Also caught in the police operation was 23-year-old Adam Horton, of Mansel Terrace, Cwmbwrla, Swansea, who was given a 16-month suspended prison term for helping Richards "bag up" kilos of cocaine ready for sale, and Cymmer drugs courier David Williams. Williams, 42, of Bryntwn Road, was sent down for five years and nine months.

Det Superintendent Steve Benson-Davison, head of the Organised Crime Unit at South Wales Police, said the quantities of drugs and cash seized in operation New Mexico had been significant.

"South Wales Police will be relentless in its pursuit of individuals who cause the greatest harm to our communities," he said.

paul.lewis@swwmedia.co.uk