THREE Gwynedd men have been jailed for supplying drugs after a 16-year-old boy was left 'seriously ill' after taking 'Pink Teddy Bear' ecstasy.

The men from Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd, appeared before Caernarfon Crown Court on Thursday, May 24.

They were jailed for possession with intent to supply or being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs, cocaine and ecstasy.

The ‘Pink Teddy Bear’ tablets were given to the 16-year-old boy, who had been at a young persons' disco in Barmouth, South Gwynedd, in December, 2016, and left him seriously ill.

They were also convicted of possession of cocaine and ecstasy with intent to supply the controlled drugs after police recovered them from the house they all shared in Penrhyndeudraeth.

Rhun Glyn aged 20, was jailed for three years, his brother Evan, aged 18 for two and a half years, and their 47 year old father Nigel Glyn Jones was jailed for five years.

The 16 year old recovered, but the incident prompted a joint media campaign between North Wales Police and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board about the risks of taking ‘Pink Teddy Bear’ ecstasy tablets.

Investigating Officer DC Dave Rock said: "Those few in our communities who supply class A controlled drugs must realise there is a consequence to their actions, both to those who risk their lives in taking uncontrolled and illicit drugs and those who supply as they will go to prison.

"Rhun Glyn sold ‘Pink Teddy Bear’ ecstasy tablets to vulnerable young people at a party with no regard to their safety or the consequences. He was only concerned about making a profit.

"It’s important we re-iterate the health warnings carried particularly to young people thinking of taking this type of drug or other psychoactive substances as they’ve no idea where they were made, by whom or what they contain. They can be deadly and it’s simply not worth the risk.

"We will continue to work with our partners in health to highlight the dangers of drug abuse and under Operation Scorpion will actively target those concerned in the supply of controlled drugs.

"I welcome the sentence and hope it reassures the public that North Wales Police will take a robust stand against those who supply controlled drugs."

The father of the 16 year old victim, who did not wish to be named, added: "My son was out enjoying a youth disco with friends when a phone call from police almost turned my world upside down.

"The sheer panic and fear driving to Wrexham hospital that night are indescribable and to see him unconscious, pale, prostrate on a bed and unrecognisable is something I hope and pray no other family should go through.

"It disgusts me that adults took advantage and preyed on a young lad and supplied him tablets.

"They must now face the consequences. I’d also implore young people, please, please be careful and don’t take anything that is not prescribed. Thanks to the prompt medical attention of staff my son survived but the consequences could have been far, far worse."

Anyone with information regarding the production and supply of controlled drugs should contact North Wales Police via the web live chat http://www.north-wales.police.uk/contact/chat-support.aspx or phone 101.

To pass information anonymously then phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.