Solicitor jailed for involvement in cocaine and steroid supply

A criminal defence solicitor, Ben Garvey, has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison following a major South Wales Police investigation known as Operation Kilau. The investigation revealed that Garvey was involved in the supply of cocaine and class C drugs, including steroids.

The case originated in August 2021 when Daniel Baker was arrested for cocaine supply offences. Although Garvey’s firm represented Baker, police analysis of mobile devices uncovered that Garvey was himself involved in drug distribution. Evidence showed Garvey was an active member of a 17-person WhatsApp group used to discuss sourcing and supplying cocaine between 2020 and 2021, with messages containing footage of drug use and images of wholesale quantities.

While Baker was in custody, Garvey acted as an intermediary for criminal messages between Baker and Jake Blackburn, who was found to be distributing drugs on Baker’s behalf. Following a trial at Bristol Crown Court, all three men received prison sentences for drug supply and perverting the course of justice. Garvey received 3.5 years, Baker received 3 years and 4 months, and Blackburn received 4 years.