Baby-faced Cheltenham drug dealer targeted vulnerable people

A 20-year-old has been sentenced for supplying class A and B drugs to vulnerable people in Cheltenham. Riyley Hughes, formerly of Pinewood Road in Cheltenham, was ordered to spend two years and nine months in a young offenders' institute.

Police officers became aware of Hughes after investigating a drugs line within the town. Officers received information from drug users that Hughes was communicating with them using a particular mobile number.

Hughes had sent text messages in bulk offering drugs. He even sent messages to his probation worker, police have said.

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One example of a text sent by Hughes is: "Active Get Me Dropping 10s 20s Dnt Mis Out Rocki. Rocki Rode And Shool Cake An Chocolate Crunch 10 Pound Trays An 20 Pound Trays."

Hughes was located by police on July 7, 2024 when he was the passenger of a vehicle which had been stopped by police. He was detained by officers and had a burner-style phone and £270 with him.

He was cautioned by officers for being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs. However, he snatched the seized phone and ran away from officers. Hughes was located in a flat the following morning, where the seized phone was also found.

A taxi booking for the early hours of the morning was found on the phone. Police also found a text message sent from the phone that he had “Just gelled from police”.

Hughes was charged with being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine, being concerned in the supply of heroin, being concerned in the supply of cannabis. He was also charged with escaping lawful custody and acquire/use/possess criminal property.

He previously pleaded guilty to all charges. But, in mitigation, it was explained how Hughes was easily led and had been forced to deal drugs by another man who was older than him.

As well as being sent to a young offenders' institute, Hughes was ordered to pay a surcharge of £228, forfeit and have his phone destroyed and forfeit £270.89 under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

A spokesperson for Gloucestershire Police said: "The sheer number of text messages sent by Hughes shows how intent he was on selling drugs to vulnerable people living in Cheltenham. I am glad that Hughes has been taken off the streets and is no longer able to target the people that he had been dealing drugs to.

"This case is another example of how we are working tirelessly to disrupt those who think they can deal drug in Gloucestershire."