A Swindon drug dealer caught with a life firearm has been sent to prison.
20-year-old Marlon Barnes ran a drugs line called ‘Caesar’, which supplied Class A drugs across the borough between December 2023 and March 2024.
The defendant, of Ramsbury Avenue, Penhill, was arrested during a raid on his home by officers from a unit dealing with serious youth gang violence in Wiltshire.
PC Chris White led an investigation which uncovered not only the owner of the drugs line through mobile phone evidence, but 250 wraps of Class A drugs, £2,500 in cash, a revolver firearm which had been modified to fire live ammunition and homemade ammunition.
READ NEXT: Man fighting for his life after ‘medical episode’ at Swindon bus station
The ‘Caesar’ line is believed to have made more than £75,000 in revenue.
At Swindon Crown Court yesterday (27 June), he Barnes was jailed for six years and six months.
It came after he pleaded guilty to 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.
PC White said: “Drug dealing has a huge impact on our communities here in Swindon.
“Often those involved will target those who are most vulnerable in our communities and will exploit them in order to get a grip of the local area in order to supply drugs.
“The actions of Barnes is barbaric and destroys 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 said: “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 in order for drugs to be sold and it is an ongoing issue which Wiltshire Police are committed to tackling through operations such as this one.
READ NEXT: Woman dies after air ambulance called to Devizes canal towpath
“PC White and other members of the Serious Youth Gang Violence Unit have conducted a meticulous investigation over many months in order to identify Barnes as being 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 added: “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.”
