A MAN from Minehead who was concerned in the supply of class A drugs has been jailed.

Ewan Cottrell, 21, was jailed for three years and four months at Taunton Crown Court.

He pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and cocaine, plus a single charge each of possession of a class B drug (cannabis) and possession of criminal property after being found to have £1,900 in cash, at the hearing on Wednesday, November 27.

An officer observed Cottrell in conversation with another individual in Minehead in what was believed to be a suspected drug deal on Monday, September 2. Cottrell was stopped a short time later and was found during a search to be in possession of an illegal substance. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Later that same day, officers searching Cottrell's address, in Bampton Street, found a quantity of drugs as well as a number of bladed weapons, including a sword, all of which were seized.

Since the search, legislation has since been introduced to make the possession of such a weapon in a private place a criminal offence.

The legislation for ‘zombie-style’ knives and ‘zombie-style’ machetes recently changed on the Tuesday, September 24. This means that it is now a criminal offence to have these types of knives in a private place. Anybody concerned they may own something that is now illegal can consult the guidance on the Home Office website, which offers advice about what to do and how you can arrange for disposal.

DS Charlie Pulling, for Avon and Somerset Police, said: “This police investigation has achieved a successful prosecution and led to the seizure of dangerous weapons and illegal drugs.

"We welcome the significant custodial sentence Ewan Cottrell has been issued by the court.

"We hope this sends a strong message to the public that we will never stop seeking to bring to justice offenders who seek to cause harm to our communities.”