Barry dealer caught mid-sale as detectives watched

A Barry drug dealer was caught red-handed selling drugs completely unaware that detectives were watching him from outside his house.

Jacob Kennedy, 20, left his home on Nant Talwg Way on 13 August 2023, got into a waiting car, exited seconds later and returned inside – at which point officers swooped in and arrested him.

A search of his flat uncovered nearly 60 grammes of high purity cocaine, 39 ecstasy tablets, and luxury items including Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Dior trainers, all seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Phones found at the address contained clear evidence of drug dealing.

Further arrests after ‘Kenno’ drugs line uncovered

In August 2025, officers examining a mobile device uncovered the ‘Kenno’ drugs line. This led to the arrests of Samantha Kennedy, 41, of Tennyson Road, and Christine Doyle, 42, of Ffordd Elin.

Two safes recovered from Christine Doyle’s home contained a large quantity of Class A and B drugs worth £15,000.

While appearing at Cardiff Crown Court on 28 August 2025 to be sentenced for his 2023 offences, Jacob Kennedy was rearrested for further drugs offences.

Officers also arrested Robson Mallam, 22, of College Crescent, finding drugs, cash and digital weighing scales at his home.

Sentences handed down

All four appeared at Cardiff Crown Court on Thursday, 18 December:

• Jacob Kennedy, 20, was jailed for nine years and six months for conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs, two counts of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, and being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs
• Samantha Kennedy and Robson Mallam were each jailed for four years and ten months for conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs
• Christine Doyle was jailed for two years and ten months for conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs, with two months activated consecutively for breaching a suspended sentence order

Detective Constable Owain Grandin said: “Jacob Kennedy was using Robson Mallam as a runner to supply drugs on his behalf. Both Samantha Kennedy and Christine Doyle allowed drugs and cash to be kept in their houses and facilitated money transfers for the operation and were complicit in the supply of significant amounts of Cocaine, MDMA, Ketamine & Cannabis throughout Barry. Drug dealing causes misery in our communities – we act upon the information provided to us by the public, so please keep that information coming and continue to work with us.”

Anyone who suspects drug dealing should contact 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously.