Drug dealer jailed after chase in Abergavenny

A drug dealer, who was chased through a beer garden by officers in Abergavenny, has received a prison sentence of more than two years.

Andrew Paul Viviash, 37, of Cae Melin, Little Mill, near Pontypool and Usk, appeared at Newport Crown Court on Thursday 8 July.

He previously pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with intent to supply a controlled drug – one of class A and one of class B.

PC Elliot Morgan, the officer in the case, said:

“Viviash was spotted by officers in Abergavenny town centre in Tuesday 22 June in what appeared to be conducting a drug deal with another person.

“He initially fled on a bicycle before going over a wall and officers caught up with Viviash in a pub beer garden in Cross Street, where he was found in possession of crack cocaine, with a street value of around £1,450, and cannabis.

“This significant sentence indicates that drugs have no place in our society. They often ruin lives.

“We will continue to target those whose criminal activities blight the lives of communities across Gwent, bringing people before the courts and removing drugs from our streets.

“Anyone with any information about people involved in illegal drug activity can call us on 101 or direct message us on Facebook or Twitter. You can also call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Viviash was sentenced to two years and four months – or 28 months – in prison.