THREE teens who were found with two-foot-long Zombie knives and Class A drugs have been sentenced.

Officers from Basingstoke’s Neighbourhood Policing Team stopped a taxi in the Darlington Road area on Wednesday, 25 April, Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court heard on Monday.

When they searched the three passengers inside, they found that two of them were carrying Zombie knives which were around 2ft in length.

Heroin and crack cocaine was also found.

The three passengers were subsequently arrested and charged.

They pleaded guilty at a hearing a Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 26 April and were sentenced on Monday.

Tyrese Briscoe, 18, of Stephenson Avenue, Walsall, West Midlands, who had pleaded guilty to possession of a bladed article in a public place, possession of heroin with intent to supply and possession of crack cocaine with intent to supply, received a 12-month detention and training order.

A 17-year-old boy from London, who had pleaded guilty to the same charges, received a six-month detention and training order.

Another 17-year-old boy, from the West Midlands, who had admitted possession of crack cocaine with intent to supply and possession of heroin with intent to supply, received a 12-month detention and training order.

Sergeant Carl Holmes, from Basingstoke’s Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “These arrests came about following information received from the community and a successful use of stop and search powers.

“It is not hard to imagine how the zombie knives in this case could do serious or even fatal harm.

“While we rarely see these zombie knives on our streets, we are committed to tackling drugs supply and associated violence in Basingstoke.

“Under our Fortress campaign, we aim to disrupt those who supply drugs to our communities but also to work with partner agencies in ensuring those that are vulnerable to being exploited receive support.

“We rely on information provided to us by the public, so if you have any concerns about drug-related activity where you live, please contact us.

“Anyone with information can call police on 101, or 999 if a crime is in progress.”