A KEY figure in a major drug-dealing operation that stretched across Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, and Swansea has been captured and is now behind bars after 16 months on the run. Lynne Leyson, 51, was arrested on Sunday evening and appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday, where she was committed to prison to begin her nine-year sentence.

Leyson, alongside her husband Stephen and son Samson, ran a lucrative cocaine and cannabis network from their smallholding in Capel Dewi, near Carmarthen. Despite being convicted for her role in the operation, she went on the run in July 2023, skipping bail just before sentencing. Her husband and son were jailed in her absence.

The family’s criminal enterprise was exposed after a significant police operation, codenamed Operation Hilston, led to the discovery of large quantities of drugs and weapons at their property. Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police raided the compound in October 2021, seizing more than half a kilo of cocaine, 1.4kg of cannabis, and £17,000 in cash. The haul also included a semi-automatic pistol—the first of its kind ever seized by Dyfed-Powys Police.

The police operation linked the Leyson family’s drug distribution network to dealers operating in Pembrokeshire. One individual, going by the nickname Mr Pickles, was identified as a key player selling drugs for the family.

At trial, all three members of the Leyson family were convicted of conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs. Stephen Leyson, 55, was additionally convicted of possession of a firearm. In July, he was sentenced to 11 years in prison, while 22-year-old Samson Leyson was sentenced to six years. In September, Lynne Leyson was sentenced to nine years in her absence, with Judge Catherine Richards describing her as the “dominant force” in the drug enterprise.

Judge Richards noted that Lynne Leyson had played a leading role in directing the drug conspiracy from the farm, using her influence to control others involved in the operation.

Since going on the run, Leyson had travelled extensively across the UK, eluding police for more than a year. However, her return to the Dyfed-Powys Police area on Sunday led to her arrest. A 26-year-old woman was also arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender but has since been released on bail pending further inquiries.

Detective Chief Inspector Rhys Jones, who led the investigation, expressed his gratitude to the public for their assistance in locating Leyson. “This arrest shows our determination to find those who think they can evade justice. I would like to thank the public for their assistance and the officers for their dedication and persistence,” he said.

The Leyson family’s downfall marks the conclusion of a long-running investigation and a significant blow to organised crime in West Wales.

The police said that their operation has sent a clear message that drug-related crime in the Dyfed-Powys area will not be tolerated.

A 46-YEAR-OLD man from Pembrokeshire will appear in Haverfordwest Magistrates’ court today facing multiple sexual offence charges, including rape, as the result of an incident alleged to have occurred in Narberth in 2022.

It is alleged that Richard Murray, recently of Hill Street, Haverfordwest, penetrated the mouth of a woman with his penis without her consent and without any reasonable belief that she was consenting.

In addition to the rape charge, Murray faces two further charges of a sexual nature.

The second charge alleges sexual assault on a female over the age of 16.

The prosecution claims that Murray intentionally touched the woman in a sexual manner without her consent and without reasonably believing that she was consenting.

The third charge involves an attempted sexual offence.

It is alleged that Murray attempted to cause a female to engage in a sexual activity without penetration, specifically by trying to make her place her hand on his penis.

Murray is expected to be present in the court for this initial hearing, it is likely that the case would be, due to its nature, adjourned to Swansea Crown Court.

WELSH rugby great Shane Williams, MBE, has thrown his support behind Wales Air Ambulance and four of its medics who will be taking on Ironman this weekend.

Like Shane, the Charity’s medics Mike Palmer, Ruby Thomas, Simon Cartwright and Caroline Arter, will push their bodies to its limit to take on the ultimate challenge of Ironman Wales – swapping their flight suits for tri-suits.

The gruelling long-distance triathlon consists of a 2.4-mile sea swim, a 112-mile hilly bike course and a marathon through the streets of Tenby.  

Shane’s new sportswear brand, AGILIS, has provided each of the medics with Wales Air Ambulance branded tri-suits free of charge, but the support doesn’t end there. The unique partnership will see AGILIS support the Charity in future events, providing discounted sportswear to enable the Wales Air Ambulance to raise even more funds.

Shane said: “I am very proud to say that myself and AGILIS will be working in partnership with Wales Air Ambulance. Obviously, it’s a fantastic Charity and cause, we’ve all seen the great work that they have done, how amazing they are and the difference they make to a lot of people’s lives, so I am very proud to be associated with them on this adventure.”

Since retiring from the professional game Shane has found a new passion for endurance sports. 

As part of the unique partnership between the brand and the Charity, the former Wales and British and Irish Lions international rugby player will show his support to the lifesaving Charity by wearing one of the Wales Air Ambulance tri-suits.

Shane continued: “I can’t wait to get out there with all the great fantastic people. I’ve met the crew taking part on Sunday, there are some real good triathletes there. I’m looking forward to seeing them do their business on the Ironman course and what’s exciting is that I’m going to be running and cycling in the Wales Air Ambulance colours, red and green! I’ve got the Welsh colours back on! It will be a very tough day, but I’m very proud.”

AGILIS will be supporting the Charity moving forward and has also donated hoodies for the medics to wear on the day. Shane will also be meeting up with the medics on Saturday, prior to the triathlon.

Mike Palmer, a Critical Care Practitioner onboard Wales Air Ambulance, said: “Shane Williams is not just a legend of rugby, but also of triathlon. It means so much to me and my colleagues to have the support and mentorship of someone who has pushed his body to the limits numerous times on one of the toughest Ironman courses in the world.

“To have been gifted the suits, and to wear the same as Shane on Sunday is remarkable. Balancing 12-hour shifts, a master’s degree and the intense training hasn’t been easy. There’s been many times that I’d be going for a long run before starting my shift at 7am, but we’re so near now and I’m so excited (and nervous) to step foot on that start line.

“We’re all so passionate about the Wales Air Ambulance, and me, Caz, Ruby and Simon continue to see first-hand the impact this charity has on people’s lives. So, on Sunday, when we feel like we can’t go any further, we’ll think of our patients and our supporters – and that’ll give us the push to carry on.

“Thank you to Shane, AGILIS and to all those who have donated to our challenge so far. If you can, please donate via our JustGiving page, and cheer for us on Sunday.”

Wales Air Ambulance is consultant-led, taking hospital-standard treatments to the patient and if required, transferring them directly to the most appropriate hospital for their illness or injury.  

It is delivered via a unique Third Sector and Public Sector partnership. The Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) supplies highly skilled NHS consultants and critical care practitioners who work on board the charity’s vehicles. 

As a pan-Wales service, the dedicated crews, regardless of where they are based, will travel the length and breadth of the country to deliver emergency lifesaving care. 

The 2008 World Rugby Player of the Year has further shown his commitment to the all-Wales Charity by signing up to another event alongside his AGILIS colleagues. The trio will be raising awareness of the lifesaving charity next month in the second largest half marathon event in the UK, the Cardiff Half Marathon.

Laura Slate, Communications and Engagement Manager for Wales Air Ambulance said: “Every day, our crews deliver advanced medical care to people across Wales, and alongside the 12-hour shifts, Caz, Mike, Simon and Ruby have been training for this massive challenge and raising money for our charity.

“We are absolutely delighted to be working with AGILIS and Shane and are incredibly grateful for the donation of tri-suits for the critical care practitioners. The company and the Welsh rugby great have already shown their dedication to our cause, and I offer my heartfelt thanks to all those who have been involved in creating this partnership. We are a proud Welsh charity, and Shane is a proud Welshman – it’s a perfect match, and we’re excited to see how the partnership will grow.”

The Wales Air Ambulance needs to raise £11.2 million every year to keep its helicopters in the air and its rapid response vehicles on the road.

Laura continued: “There are many ways in which individuals and organisations can support us. AGILIS is great example of how businesses can contribute to our lifesaving service by supplying goods and services at a reduced rate, alongside traditional fundraising activities. It all helps us to ensure that as much money as possible goes directly to our frontline service for the benefit of the people of Wales.

“Good luck to everyone taking part on Sunday, and a special thank you to Shane and our heroes of the sky.”

Show your support to the Wales Air Ambulance Ironman team by donating to their JustGiving page www.justgiving.com/page/caroline-arter-1710187476943.