Facial Recognition and ‘Turkey Teeth’ Selfie Lead to Drug Dealer’s Arrest

A drug dealer’s attempt to show off a cosmetic dental procedure in Turkey inadvertently provided the evidence police needed to secure his arrest and conviction. Coran Davies, 23, was identified through facial recognition technology after sending a selfie of his new “Turkey teeth” to a friend whose phone was already under police analysis.

The Digital Trail to Arrest

The investigation turned a corner when Davies sent a photograph of himself from a dentist’s chair in Turkey. Unbeknownst to him, the recipient of the image was a friend whose phone had been confiscated as part of a separate police investigation. Along with the image of his dental work, Davies sent messages regarding the supply of cannabis and cocaine.

Using facial recognition technology, authorities were able to identify Davies. This led to a targeted operation on March 7, where officers stopped Davies while he was driving in Tonypandy. During the arrest, police also detained his passenger, 25-year-old Dale Howell. Both men are from Porth, Rhondda Cynon Taf.

Evidence Recovered

Upon arresting the pair, South Wales Police discovered the following in their possession:

• Illegal drugs (cocaine and cannabis)
• Thousands of pounds in cash

Court Proceedings and Sentencing

Both defendants pleaded guilty to multiple offences at Merthyr Crown Court. The legal outcomes reflect the severity of the drug supply operations:

Coran Davies

Davies pleaded guilty at Merthyr Magistrates Court on March 9 to several charges, including:

• Intent to supply cocaine
• Cannabis supply
• Possessing criminal property
• Driving without a license or insurance

He was sentenced to 48 months (four years) in prison.

Dale Howell

Howell pleaded guilty to two offences, which included the intent to supply cocaine and possessing criminal property. He received a sentence of 36 months in prison.

Key Takeaways

• Digital Evidence: The case highlights how police analyze confiscated devices to gather intelligence on wider criminal networks.
• Facial Recognition: The use of facial recognition software allowed police to link a digital image to a specific individual.
• Coordinated Arrests: The operation resulted in the recovery of both controlled substances and significant amounts of cash.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are “Turkey teeth”?

The term refers to a trend of traveling to Turkey for affordable cosmetic dentistry, typically involving the application of veneers to create a bright, uniform smile.

How was Coran Davies identified?

He was identified using facial recognition technology after sending a selfie to a friend whose phone was being analyzed by the police.

Where were the suspects from?

Both Coran Davies and Dale Howell are from Porth, Rhondda Cynon Taf.