POLICE are urging parents to remain vigilant following the sentencing of three individuals involved in a large-scale operation producing cannabis-laced gummies in Haverfordwest. The scheme, which used sweets to disguise cannabis, has raised concerns over the risk such products pose to children and young people.

The operation was discovered after Merlins Bridge sorting office staff intercepted a package with a strong smell of cannabis, addressed to a home on Primrose Hill. Inside, authorities found a container filled with cannabis distillate. This led to a police raid at the address, where John Miles, his daughter Chay Miles, and her teenage boyfriend, Kyle Gadsby, were found with branded packaging, cannabis distillate, and sweets in various stages of production.

In total, 11.51 kilograms of sweets had already been infused with cannabis, with a further 14.11 kilograms prepared for processing. A drugs expert estimated the market value of the haul at between £11,820 and £19,666.

During questioning, Gadsby attempted to downplay the substantial stash of sweets, claiming it was to save on shop visits for children. However, evidence presented in court revealed that the edibles had been marketed on social media, with positive reviews on Instagram and Snapchat describing them as “f***ing banging” with “fast delivery.”

John Miles, 51, Chay Miles, 28, and 19-year-old Gadsby all pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply cannabis on June 5, 2024. They also admitted to involvement in cannabis supply from August 2023 until the June raid.

In court, Judge Huw Rees KC highlighted the serious nature of their offences, noting that disguising cannabis as sweets posed a particular danger to “the vulnerable, the uninitiated, and the naïve.” He described the operation as a “production line” with the potential to serve as an entry point to drugs for unsuspecting young individuals.

The court also heard that John Miles had only been out of prison for four months prior to the raid, having previously served time for cocaine and cannabis supply offences. His daughter Chay, a single mother of three, reportedly joined the scheme due to financial struggles. Gadsby, who had a troubled background, had been involved in the operation for just a month. He also faced charges from unrelated incidents in Northampton, including drug possession, dangerous driving, and possession of a bladed article.

Judge Rees sentenced John Miles to three years in prison, with both Chay Miles and Kyle Gadsby receiving 27 months each. He remarked that the defendants had exploited social media to market their products to an impressionable audience and stressed that, while some may view cannabis edibles as harmless, this operation represented “a serious commercial enterprise with significant public health implications.”

Following the case, local police reiterated their warning to parents about the potential for drugs to appear in unexpected forms, especially those designed to appeal to children and teens.

A MILFORD HAVEN man has been jailed for 20 years after admitting to non-recent sexual offences against children spanning 42 years.

Swansea Crown Court heard how Alan Roberts had committed 23 crimes against young girls between 1976 and 2018, with each of his six victims believing they were alone in suffering his abuse.

The 74-year-old, of Picton Road in Hakin, pleaded guilty to 17 counts of indecent assault of a girl under 14, four counts of gross indecent assault with a girl under 14, and two counts of assault of a girl under 14 by touching.

Dyfed-Powys Police officer DC Paul Kelly said: “The defendant’s offending was over a period of 42 years which is a shocking, prolonging period of abuse, and his 20 year sentence reflects this.

“I would like to thank the six extremely brave victims in this case. They have all shown immense strength of character firstly in reporting the abuse, and also in working with us throughout the investigation.

“This case is an important reminder that justice can be served many years after abuse has taken place.

“I hope the victims and families who have been affected by the actions of Alan Roberts can now try to move on with their lives, and that his sentencing gives them some kind of closure.”

A SEXUAL assault was reported at Pembroke Fair on Main Street on Friday, October 11, 2024 between 7:00pm and 8:30pm.

Police are seeking witnesses or anyone with relevant information to assist with enquiries.

Information can be submitted via their website, by email at [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101, quoting reference 24000869978.

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers at 0800 555111 or crimestoppers-uk.org.