A murder investigation has been launched into the death of a man feared to have been exploited by a Liverpool drugs gang.
Richard Andrews was last seen alive in September 2017.
The body of the 49-year-old was found by a member of the public on September 29 last year on the banks of the River Neath at Neath Abbey Wharf.
Today his grieving family made a plea for information as detectives confirmed his death was now being treated as murder amid fears he was taken advantage of by Liverpool drug dealers who were flooding South Wales towns with drugs.
Confirming the suspected Liverpool drugs gang link, Detective Chief Inspector Darren George said: "Richard was a well-known character in the Neath area, where some people may have known him by his nickname 'Monkey'.
"Richard was a vulnerable individual and I believe he may have been taken advantage of.
"At the time of his disappearance it is believed he was involved with individuals from the Liverpool area, who were dealing drugs in and around the Neath and Briton Ferry areas."
Independent charity Crimestoppers is offering up to £10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person/people responsible for Richard's murder.
And Mr Andrews' family also made an appeal for information.
Niece Kathryn said: "I am not saying he was perfect, I am not going to pretend he was but he wasn't cruel.
"He would do anything for people, you could knock on his door and he would go to the shop in the pouring rain for you.
"He wouldn't think twice about helping people."
To qualify for the reward, information must be passed to Crimestoppers via 0800555111, or the untraceable anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
Alternatively, call police on 101, quoting 1800031266. Information can also be provided anonymously via www.mipp.police.uk
