**Barry Drug Dealer Sentenced After Police Discover ‘Zombie Knife’ and £7,000 Worth of Drugs**
A man from Barry has been sentenced to more than three years in prison after police discovered a dangerous ‘zombie knife’ and a considerable amount of illegal drugs at his residence, following a targeted investigation by Cardiff’s organised crime team.
Tommy-Lee Carson, 28, of Holton Road, was brought before Cardiff Crown Court after being traced and apprehended by detectives investigating a suspected drug dealing operation. According to evidence presented in court, Carson’s activities revolved around an active drugs phone line, which was reportedly used to advertise and facilitate the sale of both cannabis and cocaine in the local area.
In February this year, officers executed a search warrant at Carson’s home address. The operation led to the seizure of drugs with an estimated street value exceeding £7,000, alongside the discovery of a ‘zombie knife’ – a type of large, intimidating blade that has been heavily legislated against due to its design and association with violent crime.
At his sentencing, Carson pleaded guilty to several serious offences: being concerned in the supply of cocaine, being concerned in the supply of cannabis, possession of cannabis resin with intent to supply, and possessing an offensive weapon in a private place. These admissions led to a significant custodial term being imposed, reflecting both the scale of the drug-related offending and the gravity attached to the possession of such a weapon.
Judge’s outlined that, after consideration for his guilty pleas, Carson would serve 45 months in prison. Under sentencing guidelines, it is expected that offenders serve up to half their sentence in custody, followed by release on licence for the remainder, subject to compliance with community supervision.
South Wales Police responded positively to the verdict, with detective constable Gaby Pughsley remarking that Carson’s drug dealing had doubtless left a negative mark on the local Barry community. “I’m pleased to see this significant sentence. There is zero tolerance for drug supply on our streets and our organised crime team are committed to identifying and apprehending those involved,” DC Pughsley stated after the hearing.
Community leaders and residents in Barry have expressed growing concern about the impact of drug supply and associated criminal activity, which can contribute to broader antisocial behaviour and safety fears in neighbourhoods. The discovery of a ‘zombie knife’ at the property has also reignited discussions around the need for effective legislation to keep such weapons out of communities.
Zombie knives, originally marketed as collectors’ items, have become symbolic of a wider knife crime issue in the UK. Their frightening appearance and potential for serious harm have led authorities to take a firm approach to their regulation, making possession illegal even in private settings.
The case forms part of an ongoing strategy by South Wales Police to dismantle local drug networks and clamp down on violent crime. Officers have reiterated their commitment to taking decisive action, encouraging residents to continue reporting suspicious activity to help keep their communities safe.
As the wider region grapples with the consequences of organised drug supply, this case serves as a reminder of the robust responses being led by law enforcement agencies. With Carson now facing his prison term, the operation underlines both the successes achieved through targeted policing and the ongoing challenges faced in protecting communities from such threats.