THREE Harlech men involved in the supply of cocaine in the Gwynedd area have each been jailed for two years.

Benjamin Ingram, 22; Michael Stanley, 28; and Nathan Porter, 24, were told that they had taken a risk and now had to face the consequences.

A fourth man Kenny Blake, 20 – who was already serving a three-year youth custody sentence imposed last year for similar offences – was given four months to serve consecutively.

And fifth man, Shaun Jones, 23, of High Street in Talsarnau, who had never been in any trouble before, admitted being concerned in the supply of cannabis only and he received a four-month prison sentence suspended for a year.

Judge Niclas Parry said at Mold Crown Court on Thursday that each of the defendants had taken a risk – a risk they thought was worth taking.

They were supplying harmful drugs in a part of north Wales where there “was real concern” about drug supply.

The evidence against them came from mobile phone analyses – and police found that drugs were being advertised for sale.

Porter, the judge said, was a substantial dealer, slightly higher up the chain, selling drugs on credit.

Stanley was doing it to pay off a considerable drugs debt and had a very poor record.

Prosecuting barrister James Coutts said that in July last year police executed a search warrant at an address at Glan Gors, Harlech, the home address of Ingram, and it was clear that it was being used by a number of people. There was a strong smell of cannabis and Ingram, who answered the door, was arrested when he became obstructive.

A relatively small amount of drugs were seized together with £200 in cash, but the prosecution evidence came from their mobile phones, which were indicative of drug dealing with drugs being advertised for sale, said Mr Coutts.

Barrister Sion ap Mihangel, for Ingram, said that his client had set his heart on joining the army, but an assessment showed that he would not be accepted because of his epilepsy, which had affected him all his life.

He turned to cannabis to alleviate his symptoms and help him sleep and at one stage was using one or two grams a night.

The defendant effectively became addicted and turned to dealing to fund it.

Michael Whitty, for Blake, said that his client was in custody, was engaged to be married, was determined to change his ways and was undergoing courses to help him gain employment on his release.

Andrew Green, for Porter, said he had no convictions and the impact of a prison sentence on him would be life-changing.

He was a hardworking man with two jobs, had previously been in the army and had in his younger days had to deal with serious life events.

Michael Whitty, for Stanley, said that his client had made dramatic changes in his life since the offending.

He had witnessed a murder at the age of 11, continuously moved address as a child, he led an unstable nomadic life-style with few adult role models.

Stanley, of Glan Gors, Harlech, admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine.

Ingram, also of Glan Gors, admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine and cannabis as did Porter, of Maes Gwndwr, Talsarnau. Blake, of Glan Gors, admitted being concerned in the supply of cannabis only.

Chief Inspector Richie Green said: “I welcome the sentencing at Mold Crown Court and hope it will deter others from getting involved in supplying controlled drugs.

“Drug-related activities have a detrimental impact in our communities and south Gwynedd will benefit considerably as a result of today’s jailings.

“Our local communities will not tolerate such behaviour, and I am grateful for the information we received to enable us to take positive action. There is no hiding place!

“In line with the force’s Operation Scorpion we are fully committed to the investigation of serious and organised crime and eradicating it from our communities.

“Anyone with information regarding the production and supply of controlled drugs or anyone they believe is involved in organised crime should contact North Wales Police via the web live chat at www.north-wales.police.uk/contact/chat-support.aspx, phone on 101 or by messaging via Facebook or Twitter.

“If you’d rather pass information anonymously then phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”