A Swindon man has been sentenced to over six years in prison after being caught with a firearm while running a Class A drugs line. Marlon Barnes, 20, of Ramsbury Avenue, Penhill, received his sentence yesterday at Bristol Crown Court.
Barnes pleaded guilty to several charges, including possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition for a firearm without a certificate, being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs, and possession of criminal property. The charges stem from an investigation by PC White of the Serious Youth Gang Violence unit, which revealed Barnes as the controller of the ‘Caesar’ drugs line. This operation had been spreading Class A drugs across Swindon from December last year to March this year, generating an estimated £75,000.
On 7th March, officers from the Serious Youth Gang Violence unit executed a warrant at Barnes’ home. They found key mobile phones linking him to the drugs line, approximately 250 wraps of Class A drugs, £2,500 in cash, a modified revolver capable of firing live ammunition, and homemade ammunition.
PC White stated, “Drug dealing has a huge impact on our communities here in Swindon. Often those involved will target the most vulnerable in our communities and will exploit them to get a grip of the local area to supply drugs. The actions of Barnes are barbaric and destroy families and communities. We won’t tolerate drug dealers in Swindon and will do everything within our power to ensure that they are dealt with robustly.”
Detective Inspector Champion of the Serious Youth Gang Violence Unit added, “Drug dealing is serious and organised criminality which strikes at the heart of communities across the country. It results in vulnerable adults and children being exploited to sell drugs, and it is an ongoing issue which Wiltshire Police are committed to tackling through operations like this one. PC White and other members of the Serious Youth Gang Violence Unit have conducted a meticulous investigation over many months to identify Barnes as responsible for this reprehensible criminality, and through their action, they have removed a dangerous individual and a viable firearm from our streets.”
Detective Chief Inspector Elkins commented, “The Serious Youth Gang Violence Unit work meticulously day in, day out to remove dangerous individuals such as Barnes from our streets. However, the community plays a vital role in helping us tackle serious and organised crime.
“If you suspect a crime or believe someone is being exploited, call us on 101 or 999 in an emergency. You can also report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
