Two brothers in Wales were found to be operating a lucrative cannabis dealing operation from their family home, the Swansea Crown Court recently heard. Joshua and Ryan Davies were discovered to have approximately £17,000 worth of cannabis along with a firearm and a zombie knife in their possession when police raided their Carmarthen property.
Prosecutors stated that one of the brothers initially started selling cannabis to support their own long-term drug habit but soon realized the high demand for the drug locally. This prompted an expansion of the operation. At the time of the cannabis dealing, Joshua Davies was on licence following a prior conviction for trafficking cocaine.
During a search at the Davies’ residence in October 2022, police found over 1.4kg of cannabis, along with cash, mobile phones, a firearm, and a zombie knife. Joshua Davies was also found advertising cannabis for sale through social media platforms. Both brothers denied involvement in drug dealing, with Joshua Davies falsely implicating another brother.
Joshua Davies, 24, and Ryan Davies, 20, both pled guilty to possession of cannabis with intent to supply and being concerned in the supply of cannabis. Joshua received a 12-month prison sentence, while Ryan was sentenced to eight months in a young offenders institution.
Joshua Davies had a troubled upbringing and limited education, while Ryan Davies started dealing cannabis to fund his own habit without realizing the extent of local demand, according to their defense lawyers. The court recognized their guilty pleas with reduced sentences.
The court emphasized the seriousness of the brothers’ activities, including Joshua Davies’ prior cocaine trafficking conviction. The prosecution highlighted the delay in the case reaching court and the impact on the community caused by their drug-dealing operation.
With a third off for their guilty pleas, the brothers will serve part of their sentences in custody before being released on licence. The court proceedings shed light on the issues surrounding drug dealing in the area and the impact on individuals and communities.