Miaow pair warned they could face up to four years in jail

A 19-year-old from Gorslas was told he faced up to 12 months behind bars for the same offence.

Benjamin Rhys Evans, of 75 Parc Penrhos but formerly of 51a Penybanc Road in Ammanford, was accused of being found in possession of 45.21 grammes of the Class B drug with intent to supply during a police raid last November.

Perry John Dyson, of 41 Brynllian, is accused of possessing 9.72 grammes of the drug – known to users as maiow miaow – with intent to supply during the same Dyfed Powys Police swoop.

Gerald Neave, prosecuting, told Llanelli magistrates that the drugs said to have been found in Evans’ possession had been valued at more than £900 while those said to have been found in Dyson’s possession were worth in the region of £150.

Mr Neave told the court that while the pair had been charged separately, they were arrested together during a police raid on a property in Penybanc Road at 6.30pm on November 24, 2012.

The court was told that both men were accused of being “street dealers” by the Crown Prosecution Service.

Magistrates heard how, if found guilty at trial, Evans faced a maximum four years in jail while Dyson could be sentenced to up to 12 months.

They were told that due to the nature of the allegations against both men and the limitations of the court’s power, the magistrates’ court was not a suitable venue to hear the case.

“Your sentencing powers are inadequate in cases of this nature, particularly in the case of Evans who is accused of playing a significant role in street dealing,” the court’s legal advisor told magistrates.

Magistrates agreed with the guidance and sent both men to appear at Swansea Crown Court on October 11.

Andrew Isaacs, representing Evans, and Robin Reed, appearing for Dyson, said their clients would not enter pleas until their appearances before a judge.

Both men were granted unconditional bail.