Teen drug dealer with machete jailed for 28 months

A Cardiff teenager found himself behind bars after police caught him red-handed dealing crack cocaine whilst armed with a machete.

Officers on patrol in Adamsdown spotted William Decarvalho, 19, cycling up to Fitzalan Place dressed entirely in black, including a balaclava covering his face. They watched as he carried out hand-to-hand exchanges with three individuals already known to them as drug users.

When police moved in to apprehend him, Decarvalho tried to escape on his bicycle but was quickly detained. The search that followed uncovered a chilling haul: a machete, four wraps of crack cocaine valued at £40, and £700 in cash stuffed in his pockets.

Investigators also seized a Nokia-style burner phone containing messages where he advertised heroin and crack cocaine for sale, informing customers he was “live” and ready for business.

The Thesiger Street, Cathays resident admitted possession with intent to supply class A drugs, two counts of being concerned in supplying class A drugs, and carrying a bladed weapon.

Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court heard that despite having no previous convictions, Decarvalho’s involvement in the drugs trade had already resulted in him being both shot and stabbed on separate occasions. His defence barrister, Sali Harmes, told the court her client was “immature” and had endured a “difficult upbringing” and “adverse childhood experiences” which left him homeless for a year.

Passing sentence on Monday, Judge Jeremy Jenkins didn’t mince words: “You have been involved in things you should not have been involved with. At 19-years-old, you do have an association with the drug world and the underworld. Anyone who involves themselves for whatever reason in the supply of class A drugs, involves themselves in an offence that only a term of detention can be justified.”

Decarvalho was sentenced to 28 months detention in a young offenders institute.