JAIL FOR MAN WHO GROOMED A VULNERABLE TEENAGE GIRL TO RUN DRUGS FOR HIM
In the early hours of May 5, 2024, authorities traced a girl reported missing from Merthyr Tydfil to Najib Arab's address in Roath, Cardiff.Investigations revealed that 29-year-old Arab had exploited and groomed the girl, who was vulnerable, by giving her free drugs in exchange for her participation in criminal acts.
The girl had initially connected with Arab via Snapchat, and within weeks, he pushed her into drug distribution, using her to carry and sell drugs.
She explained that he directed her to sell drugs near his home and that they also traveled into Cardiff City Centre on his electric bike to deliver or exchange substances.
The young girl stayed at Arab’s home more than once, and during one visit, she went missing, which led to a police search.
When the police arrived at his home on Pen-Y-Waun Road, they found the girl and took her into custody.
Arab had run away, jumping over a garden wall.
He was later arrested in the city centre after police spotted him ten days later.
During his arrest, officers seized seven wraps of ketamine and cash, and found evidence of drug dealing on his mobile phone.
Arab faced charges including holding a person in slavery or servitude and possessing drugs, specifically ketamine and cannabis, with the purpose of supply.
He initially pleaded not guilty but later admitted to the drug charges.
A court case concluded with him being found guilty of holding a person in slavery or servitude on April 24.
On July 1, he was sentenced in Cardiff Crown Court to seven years in prison.
He will also serve two years on license after his release and was ordered to adhere to a Slavery and Trafficking Prevention Order.
