Barry drug dealer pays back £440 despite £9k profit

A drug dealer who kept a fearsome zombie knife at home has been ordered to pay back just £440 despite making more than £9,000 from his crimes.

Tommy-Lee Carson was caught following an investigation into an active drug dealing phone line which was advertising cannabis and cocaine for sale.

Cardiff Crown Court heard that a raid on the 28-year-old’s home in Barry in February this year uncovered drugs with a street value of more than £7,000 along with the illegal weapon.

Carson, of Holton Road, Barry, previously pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine, being concerned in the supply of cannabis, possession of cannabis resin with intent to supply, and possession of an offensive weapon in a private place.

With discounts for his guilty pleas, Carson was sentenced to 45 months in prison at a sentencing hearing on May 23. He will serve up to half that sentence in custody before being released on licence to serve the remainder in the community.

Speaking after the sentencing, South Wales Police detective constable Gaby Pughsley said: “Carson’s drug dealing will undoubtedly have impacted the local community and 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.”

A Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Wednesday, November 12, heard Carson benefited to the tune of £9,414 as a result of his offending. But the court heard he only had assets worth £440.

Judge Daniel Williams ordered him to pay £440 within 28 days. The defendant will receive an additional 14 days imprisonment in default if he fails to pay that sum.