A BARGOED man who used his car workshop as a front for large-scale drug distribution has been jailed for almost ten years — with links to supply routes reaching into West Wales, including Pembrokeshire, The Herald understands.

Thirty-seven-year-old Peter Ian Yandell, from Bargoed, was arrested at his business premises on 11 June after officers from Tarian, the Regional Organised Crime Unit for southern Wales, executed a warrant at his Tredegar vehicle workshop. Investigators found that Yandell had been using the business as a cover for the wholesale movement of controlled drugs.

A search of the premises uncovered significant quantities of Class A and Class B drugs, specialist equipment used to manufacture illicit substances, and an imitation firearm.

His mobile phone was seized at the scene. Subsequent analysis uncovered extensive evidence of large-scale supply operations across South Wales, including communication patterns and distribution activity indicative of a wider network reaching beyond the Valleys.

The Herald understands that this network included the movement of cocaine and cannabis into West Wales — including Pembrokeshire — as part of a broader regional supply chain.

Yandell pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine, being concerned in the supply of cannabis, and possession of an imitation firearm. He was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court to nine years and ten months for the offences, with a further two months added for breaching a suspended sentence.

Detective Constable Rhys Richards, of Tarian ROCU, said: “This operation dismantled a sophisticated drug production setup that was responsible for supplying harmful substances into communities across the region.

“Yandell attempted to hide his criminal enterprise behind a legitimate business, but the evidence recovered – in particular from his mobile phone – revealed the true extent of his offending.

“This investigation demonstrates Tarian’s continued commitment to exposing and disrupting organised criminality. We will work tirelessly to protect the public and ensure that those who profit from the supply of illicit commodities are brought before the courts.”

MS seeks evidence as Pembrokeshire businesses report dramatic jumps

LOCAL businesses across Pembrokeshire are reporting unprecedented increases in their rateable values, with some facing rises of up to four hundred per cent. In response, local Member of the Senedd and Shadow Economy Minister Samuel Kurtz has launched an investigation to gather evidence, testimonies and real-world impact statements from those affected.

The 2025 revaluation of non-domestic properties in Wales — carried out to reflect current open-market rental values — has resulted in steep jumps for a significant number of premises. While some adjustments have been modest, a growing number of firms say their valuations have doubled, tripled or even quadrupled, raising concerns about job losses, cancelled investment and long-term viability.

Kurtz is now urging any business experiencing sharp increases to come forward. His investigation will compile previous and current rateable values, together with any impact on staffing, investment plans and future operations. He has already spoken with business owners at a recent advice surgery in Pembroke Dock and intends to hold a wider business roundtable in the coming weeks.

“No business should be punished for a revaluation they had no control over,” said Kurtz. “If rateable values have soared — in some cases by 300–400 per cent — I want to hear from those affected. Their stories must be heard. I’ll take this evidence straight to the Senedd and fight for fairer business rates.

“At a time when businesses are already feeling squeezed by rising costs, this new bill threatens not only the survival of our high street retailers, it affects all those operating in leisure and hospitality, industrial workshops and tourism.”

Kurtz said he had recently spoken to a hospitality business owner now facing an additional £8,000 a month. “The pressure and stress of this latest rate hike is huge for those affected, and I fear this may be the final straw for many. I want to do all I can to help fight alongside those businesses,” he added.

Businesses wishing to share their experience can contact the campaign at www.samuelkurtz.com/campaigns/business-owners

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THOUSANDS turned out for Small World Theatre’s Cardigan Giant Lantern Parade on 5 December, a flagship event of this year’s Festival of Light. This year’s theme, inspired by the upcoming Eisteddfod y Garreg Las, brought colour, creativity and community spirit to the streets of Cardigan.

The Parade was made possible thanks to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, administered and supported by the Cynnal y Cardi team at Ceredigion County Council, with further support from National Lottery Awards for All and Cardigan Town Council.

Cardigan’s Mayor, Cllr Olwen Davies, joined the celebrations as Samba Doc, Jake Caswell and a spectacular array of giant lanterns led hundreds of participants through the town. The procession wound its way to the quayside, delighting thousands of spectators who lined the route.

Among the standout creations were large lanterns made by pupils from Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi, Clwb Gwawr and Cardigan Rowing Club. Welsh lady hats and top-hat lanterns, crafted by local primary school pupils, added extra charm to the festive spectacle.

Now in its seventh year, the Lantern Parade has become a cornerstone of Cardigan’s winter calendar, drawing significant footfall and boosting the local economy. Alongside the Parade, Small World Theatre has developed a Festival of Light Trail — an immersive after-dark experience running from 4:30pm to 9pm, with buildings and shop windows illuminated across the town.

Mayor of Cardigan, Cllr Olwen Davies, said: “We’re so lucky to have this annual celebration that unites the town and is a Christmas treat for all. Congratulations to Small World Theatre’s team and volunteers for creating another wonderful evening.”

A spokesperson for Small World Theatre added: “Thanks to everyone who helped — Ceredigion County Council, Cardigan Town Council, the marshals from Cardigan Show and Barley Saturday Committees, Cardigan Castle, and our brilliant team and volunteers. And special thanks to Samba Doc and Jake for the joyful rhythms. Together we created a very special event for all.”

There is still time to support Small World Theatre’s fundraising appeal. Every contribution helps ensure this magical community event continues for years to come.