Exclusive screening revisits one of Wales’ most remarkable police operations

A TWO-PART documentary exploring a major drugs bust that stunned a quiet Pembrokeshire seaside town will have its exclusive English-language premiere in Newport next week.

Cannabis Cove: Operation Seal Bay, produced for S4C, takes viewers back to 1983, when the peace of Newport was shattered by one of the most extraordinary police investigations in Welsh criminal history.

That summer, the town became the unlikely centre of an international smuggling ring after a local fisherman, Andy Burgess, spotted something unusual at a remote beach called Pwll Coch—known locally as Seal Bay.

Soon after, authorities discovered a concealed hatch on nearby Traeth Cell Hywel. Beneath it lay a man-made underground chamber stocked with food, radio equipment and fibreglass resin — “like something straight out of James Bond.”

The mystery unfolds

As detectives began to investigate, residents reported strange activity around Newport — unfamiliar luxury cars on rural lanes, and strangers flashing £50 notes in local pubs.

What followed was a sprawling investigation that reached from Pembrokeshire to Scandinavia and the Middle East. Within days, three men — Robin Boswell, Ken Dewar, and escaped drug trafficker Sam Spanggaard — were arrested.

However, the case soon hit a snag: the drugs had disappeared. Without the contraband, the entire prosecution risked collapse. Detectives began to suspect there was a local connection — someone who knew the coastline well.

Forty years on

More than four decades later, S4C’s new documentary returns to the mystery with rare interviews, archive footage, and dramatic re-enactments.

For the first time, it includes testimony from a local man — known only as “Jim” — whose words are voiced by an actor to protect his identity. “Jim,” who once modified cars for Boswell, became unwittingly entangled in a smuggling network stretching from Pembrokeshire to Morocco and beyond.

The two episodes retrace both the discovery of the secret underground chamber and the international scope of the operation that followed.

Local resident Wendy Phillips recalled: “Everyone knew everyone. Everyone knew each other’s business — that’s just how you were brought up.”

Screening in Newport

The pre-broadcast English-language screening of Cannabis Cove: Operation Seal Bay will take place at 6:30pm on Thursday, November 20, at Canolfan Bethlehem, Upper West Street, Newport.

Following the screening, there will be a Q&A session with retired detectives Don Evans and John Daniels, who worked on the original case, alongside the film’s director James Hale.

Entry is free, but donations will be taken on the door to support Canolfan Bethlehem.

Cannabis Cove: Operation Seal Bay airs on S4C later this month.

Legendary mixmaster marks 25 years since iconic ‘How To Cut & Paste’ mixtape

A NIGHT of pure nostalgia is heading for Narberth as world-famous turntablist DJ Yoda drops his 1980s-themed “Mixtape Live” show at The Queen’s Hall on Saturday, November 22.

The multi-award-winning DJ — real name Duncan Beiny — is promising a full-throttle celebration of pop culture’s most colourful decade, blending retro beats, movie moments, and video game sounds into a high-energy, one-of-a-kind performance.

Known for his genre-bending creativity, Yoda has taken his unique brand of turntablism to major festivals and clubs around the globe, earning praise from the BBC, who called him “a pioneer of the craft.”

Over his 30-year career, he’s collaborated with Dr Dre, Snoop Dogg, Damon Albarn, Diplo, and Mark Ronson, and was once named by Q Magazine as “one of the 10 DJs to see before you die.”

The Narberth show also celebrates 25 years since Yoda’s breakthrough 80s mixtape, How To Cut & Paste: The 80s Edition — the release that launched him into the spotlight and helped redefine DJ performance art.

Expect neon lights, vintage visuals, and the biggest hits of the decade — all remixed Yoda-style.

🎟️ Tickets are available now from thequeenshall.org.uk
or by calling 01834 861212.

THE SILVER MOUNTAIN EXPERIENCE is busily preparing for the return of their most beloved visitor, Santa Claus, for the festive season.

The popular visitor attraction, located just outside Aberystwyth on the A44 to Llangurig, is undergoing a spectacular transformation ahead of its Christmas event, running on selected dates from December 13 to 23.

With a whole host of activities and festive fun, there will be something for all the family to enjoy.

The Silver Mountain’s historic Victorian mine buildings have been transformed into bustling Elves’ Workshops and a magical Santa’s Grotto. Visitors will join the elves on an enchanting walk through the festive factory, discovering where the Christmas magic is made and hearing all about preparations for the big day.

Highlight for every child will be meeting Santa himself. Each family or group receives an exclusive, private visit with Santa, giving children the chance to share their Christmas wishes, receive a special gift for being on the ‘nice list’ and create memories that will last a lifetime.

But the festive fun doesn’t end there! A mischievous resident deep within the mines is determined to cause trouble this year. A certain well-known green character has set up home in one of the mine tunnels and is plotting to steal Christmas!

Families can embark on a heart-warming quest to melt his frosty heart and also explore his underground home!

Alongside the Elves’ Workshops, Grotto experience and the underground Christmas adventure, the site is bursting with all-day activities included in the ticket price. Guests can enjoy cookie decorating, the Rudolph and Patches’ Treasure Trail, the Fossil Dig, play areas and much more.

The beautifully decorated site, complete with the return of the Gingerbread House and Victorian Sweet Shop, offers countless photo opportunities to capture the perfect festive family moment.

Booking is essential, as this event sells out every year. Visitors are encouraged to secure their preferred time slot early to avoid disappointment by booking at : www.silvermountainexperience.co.uk/festive/