A well-respected volunteer at a junior football club who secretly led a double life as a cocaine dealer has been ordered to repay thousands of pounds earned through his criminal activities. Benjamin Simons, along with his brother Leon, ran a significant drug-dealing operation under the name “Swansea Boys,” amassing hundreds of thousands of pounds before being caught by police.
The pair were sentenced to six years in prison last July after Swansea Crown Court heard how their operation involved high-purity cocaine, cash, weapons, and luxury items, including quad bikes, a Jet Ski, and designer watches. Judge Geraint Walters, during their sentencing, condemned their actions as being driven by “pure greed” and highlighted the misery their activities had caused to addicts and communities alike.
Financial investigations and confiscation orders
Following their imprisonment, the case returned to court under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Prosecutor Craig Jones revealed that Benjamin Simons had benefited from his criminal conduct by £541,167, while his brother Leon’s gains totalled £323,294. Investigators identified £52,783 in available assets for Benjamin and £17,750 for Leon.
Leon’s partner, Kelly McGuire, also faced financial scrutiny. She was found to have benefited by £157,302, with £17,750 in identified assets. Judge Walters issued confiscation orders for the available amounts, ensuring some of the proceeds of their crimes would be recovered.
The police operation
The court previously heard that in December 2023, officers executed a search warrant at the home of Leon Simons and Kelly McGuire in Blaenymaes, Swansea. Although Leon was not initially present, he returned to the property while police were there and attempted to flee after shouting about “getting a blade.” He was apprehended following a chase, during which a Taser was deployed.
A search of the property uncovered £53,250 in cash, nearly 1.8kg of cocaine with a street value of around £60,000, weighing scales, and a large machete. Police also found a collection of Rolex watches.
Further investigations led officers to Benjamin Simons’ home in Portmead, where mobile phones containing messages linked to the “Swansea Boys” drug line were recovered. A subsequent raid on a unit at Aztec Business Park in Fforestfach, controlled by the Simons brothers, revealed equipment for processing cocaine, including a hydraulic press, as well as weapons, quad bikes, and a Jet Ski.
Guilty pleas and sentencing
Benjamin Simons, 31, of Glenside Road, Blaenymaes, admitted to being concerned in the supply of cocaine and possession of criminal property. Leon Simons, 33, of Robin Road, Portmead, pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to supply and possession of criminal property. Both were sentenced to six years in prison.
Kelly McGuire, 32, of Robin Road, Portmead, admitted to allowing premises to be used for drug supply and possession of criminal property. She received a 16-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and was ordered to complete rehabilitation and mental health treatment programmes.
Judge’s remarks
At the sentencing, Judge Walters expressed disbelief that individuals with no previous convictions could commit such serious crimes. He described Class A drugs as a “scourge” that inflicted misery on individuals and communities, highlighting the devastating impact of the drug trade on Swansea and other towns and cities.
