A man has been sentenced to over six years in prison after being caught with a firearm while managing a local Class A drugs line in Swindon.
Marlon Barnes, 20, from Ramsbury Avenue in Penhill, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including possession of a firearm, involvement in the supply of Class A drugs, and possession of ammunition without a certificate.
At Bristol Crown Court, Barnes was sentenced to six years and six months in prison. According to Wiltshire Police, he was the controller of the ‘Caesar’ drugs line, which distributed Class A substances throughout Swindon from December 2023 to March 2024. During this period, the operation is believed to have generated approximately £75,000.
The investigation, led by officers from the Serious Youth Gang Violence unit, culminated in a warrant executed at Barnes’ residence on March 7. Officers discovered key mobile phones connecting Barnes to the ‘Caesar’ drugs line, around 250 wraps of Class A drugs, £2,500 in cash, and a modified revolver capable of firing live ammunition, along with homemade ammunition.
Barnes was charged with various offenses, all of which he admitted in court.
PC White from the Serious Youth Gang Violence unit commented, “Drug dealing has a significant impact on our communities here in Swindon. Those involved often target the most vulnerable, exploiting them to establish control over local areas for drug supply. Barnes’ actions are destructive and detrimental to families and communities.”
