**Drug Dealer Caught Outside Sports Direct Later Found with Large Machete and Cannabis Stash**
A man from Bargoed has narrowly avoided immediate imprisonment after being found dealing drugs outside a busy Sports Direct store and later discovered to have a huge machete and a significant quantity of cannabis at his home.
The case concerned Jamie Thomas, 48, who was spotted on 1 April conducting suspicious exchanges with customers outside the Sports Direct outlet in Caerphilly. His behaviour caught the attention of a vigilant staff member, who promptly reported the incident to a police officer present at the store on an unrelated matter.
When police officers confronted Thomas, he was found carrying two large clear snap bags in his shoulder bag. Inside, officers discovered a total of 26 snap bags of cannabis, the weight of which later totalled over 100 grams. Despite this considerable amount, Thomas insisted to authorities that the cannabis was solely for his personal use.
However, the evidence soon began to mount against him. Police seized Thomas’ mobile phone and, during their interaction, noted that he continued to speak at length about his cannabis consumption. Not content with what had already been unearthed, police proceeded to search his home on North Road in Bargoed. It was there that they made a series of further discoveries that deepened the case.
At Thomas’ home, officers found additional quantities of cannabis stored in clear sweet jars, as well as six weighing scales and a large number of zip lock bags—items typically associated with drug dealing. Perhaps most alarming, however, was the unearthing of a machete with a blade measuring just over two feet in length. Thomas claimed this weapon had been bought as a decorative item, but its size raised serious concerns given the circumstances.
During court proceedings at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court, prosecutor Megan Eckley outlined the case against Thomas. She revealed the extent of the evidence and detailed that Thomas had ultimately pleaded guilty to possession of a class B drug with intent to supply, as well as possession of an offensive weapon. Thomas admitted selling cannabis to fund both further purchases and personal use.
The court also heard that Thomas was not unfamiliar with legal difficulties, having amassed seven previous convictions for offences ranging from battery to making indecent images of children and obtaining property by deception. These past offences were taken into account during sentencing.
Defence solicitor Jeffrey Jones explained that his client had experienced a significant shock after being remanded in custody. He said Thomas regretted his actions and pointed towards his client’s apparent remorse following his arrest and the time spent on remand.
Presiding over the case, Judge Jeremy Jenkins assessed the scale of Thomas’ drug dealing operation, stating: “This was not just a substantial enterprise but a rewarding one… Cannabis is a class B drug, and smoking, possessing and selling it to others on the street are illegal practices, despite what your perception is.” The judge made clear that the law does not make allowances for personal beliefs regarding drug legality.
Thomas’ sentence reflected a degree of leniency. He received eight months’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, in recognition of his remorse and challenging personal circumstances. He was also ordered to complete 10 days of a rehabilitation activity requirement and pay £150 in costs.
This case serves as a reminder that drug-related offences remain a persistent concern in South Wales, and the possession of dangerous weapons adds a further layer of risk. Community vigilance and swift police action were crucial in bringing the matter to court, underlining the importance of public involvement in tackling local crime.