This footage captures the moment police uncovered Class A drugs, multiple firearms, and ammunition at the Bristol home of drug dealer Jardel Edwards. Officers discovered the firearms hidden in a drawer, alongside a taser and ammunition, all of which were confiscated. Additional evidence of drug distribution was also found at the property.
Jardel Edwards, 22, from Cotton Mill Lane in Barton Hill, pleaded guilty to two counts of illegal firearm possession after a handgun and a taser were seized from his home. At Bristol Crown Court on Thursday, May 29, he was sentenced to a total of eight years in prison—five years for the firearms charges and three years for drug offences.
Neighbourhood Policing Chief Inspector Tom Tooth of Avon and Somerset Police commented on the case: “Edwards’ evasive behaviour during the initial encounter led officers to suspect he was hiding something. The volume of drugs recovered evidences his intention to sell and contribute to drug-related harm in our community.”
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He continued, “Thanks to the officers trusting their training and instincts, we successfully removed dangerous weapons, drugs, and ammunition from the streets of Bristol. This seizure may have prevented further harm or even saved lives.”
The incident began on Thursday, February 6, when plain-clothed officers stopped Edwards on Webb Street, St Judes, at approximately 4:40 pm. During questioning, officers noticed his evasive demeanor and conducted a search under section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA). This led to the discovery of crack cocaine and heroin concealed in his pockets, resulting in his immediate arrest.
Subsequently, officers secured a search warrant and conducted a section 18 search at Edwards' residence. It was during this search that the firearms, taser, and ammunition were located and confiscated.