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A drug dealer who was caught with more than £50,000 worth of drugs – including heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine – has been jailed for three-and-a-half years.

Thomas Doyle, 23, of Sunny View, Pontlottyn, appeared at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Monday May 18, where he was sentenced.

On October 15 last year, Doyle was seen acting suspicious while driving a red Vauxhall Astra on Rhymney High Street.

He was spotted by police officers, who followed him – but Doyle sped off when they flashed their lights.

Police followed him to Brynhyfryd in Pontlottyn, where they spotted his parked car. Doyle then ran from his car holding a blue carrier bag.

Officers chased him into nearby woodland, before detaining him and seizing the bag. A search of his car later found more drugs, as well as cash, phones, scales, and weapons – including a machete and nunchucks.

He was later charged with possession with intent to supply class A and B drugs, as well as posession of an offensive weapon, and possessing a knife in a public place.

Sargent Thomas Brookes, of Gwent Police, said: “As shown over the last 18 months during our Respect Rhymney initiative, neighbourhood officers work relentlessly to identify offenders supplying class A drugs in the area, and have been successful in locking up offenders, dismantling organised crime groups and county lines – and have safeguarded communities by removing drugs from our streets.

“This latest result outlines our ongoing commitment, and we’ll continue to do all we can to protect vulnerable people and clear Rhymney of serious and organised crime.”