Drug dealer jailed after zombie knife and cocaine seized

A drug dealer has been sentenced to four years in prison after officers caught him carrying a zombie knife and crack cocaine with a street value of up to £5,000.

The arrest

Twenty-one-year-old Levi James was spotted by police riding a Sur-Ron electric bike through the Gabalfa area of Cardiff on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. Officers recognised James, who was wearing a balaclava, as a known drug dealer in the area.

He was detained in Lydstep Park by officers carrying out Operation Auklet – a targeted operation involving warrants and patrols launched in response to community concerns about drug dealing in the neighbourhood.

The struggle

Body-worn camera footage captured the moment a Taser-armed officer sprinted along a tree-lined footpath beside the football pitch after a colleague radioed for back-up. The officer arrived to find his colleague grappling with James on the ground as the dealer attempted to resist arrest. James stopped struggling immediately once he realised a Taser-equipped officer was on scene.

What was found

A search of James uncovered crack cocaine worth up to £5,000 concealed in his pockets and a rucksack. He was also found to be carrying a zombie knife in a sheath along with cash.

The charges and sentence

James, of Cardiff, was charged with possessing crack cocaine and heroin with intent to supply, possession of a knife in a public place, and acquiring criminal property – namely money. He pleaded guilty to all charges.

On Monday, February 16, 2026, he was jailed for 48 months.

Police response

Inspector Tim Ursell said: “Drug dealing has been a concern for Gabalfa residents for some time and it is a priority for us. Levi James is a known drug dealer who has wreaked havoc in the community.

“I am pleased to say that today he was jailed for a considerable time and this is largely thanks to the information and support we have received from the community. Our focus will not change and we will continue to target those who spread misery through criminality.”