Dealers caught after huge amount of drugs seized in Taunton

Three men involved in supplying a Somerset town with drugs have been jailed. Clayton Budge, Kai Darby, and Finley Ford - all from Taunton - pleaded guilty to multiple drugs offences after a drugs warrant in Taunton uncovered more than 6.5kg of cannabis.

The three were arrested in July following the raid in Malvern Terrace. As well as the large quantity of cannabis, police officers also recovered cash and other drug paraphernalia. Darby, 25 and Burdge, 26, were arrested at the property.

Ford, 23, was later arrested after being seen driving away from the address and police officers seized 1.2kg of cannabis from his car.

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A further search turned up more than £1,700 in cash and 1kg of cocaine, which were also seized. All three men were subsequently charged and pleaded guilty to multiple offences.

Budge was convicted of possession with intent to supply a class B drug (cannabis) and being concerned in the supply of cannabis; Darby was convicted of being concerned in the supply of cannabis; and Ford was convicted of being concerned in the supply of cocaine and cannabis.

They were sentenced at Taunton Crown Court on Tuesday 12 November. They received the following sentences:

• Budge – three years and four months in prison

• Darby – two years and six months in prison

• Ford – five years and four months in prison

DS Charlie Pulling said: “Illegal drugs destroy communities and those who supply them often prey on the most vulnerable members of our society.

“We are committed to identifying those responsible and we welcome the sentences handed down by the court following our investigation.”