Crime

10 years in prison for dealer involved in major drug supply network

Published

1 month ago

December 6, 2025

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.

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.”

Crime

Man pleads guilty after £150k drugs haul found in Pembroke traffic stop

Published

3 days ago

January 9, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Routine police check led to discovery of cocaine and cannabis in car boot

A MAN has pleaded guilty after a routine traffic stop in Pembroke led to the discovery of Class A and Class B drugs with an estimated street value of more than £150,000.

On the morning of Friday (Jan 2), officers from the local Road Policing Unit stopped a grey Seat Ateca on Holyland Road, Pembroke, driven by 43-year-old Dean Evans.

During the stop, Evans made comments to officers suggesting they would find “stuff” in the vehicle. As a result, both he and the car were searched under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

A cardboard box was discovered in the boot containing a one-kilogram block of cocaine along with ten half-kilogram packages of herbal cannabis. The combined street value of the drugs was said to be well in excess of £150,000.

Evans was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply controlled drugs.

Following his arrest, officers carried out a search of Evans’ property, which led to the seizure of a black Mercedes AMG and a VOGE DS900 motorcycle under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

The Mercedes was also searched and found to contain a wallet holding more than £200 in cash, along with a clear snap-seal bag containing a white substance which later tested positive for cocaine.

Evans was charged with possession with intent to supply both Class A and Class B drugs and pleaded guilty at Swansea Magistrates’ Court on Saturday (Jan 3).

He was remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced on Friday (Jan 23).

Crime

Man fined after admitting public order offence

Published

4 days ago

January 8, 2026

Court Reporter

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been fined after admitting a public order offence.

Gareth Williams, aged 45, of Merlins Bridge, Haverfordwest, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Jan 7).

The court heard that Williams was charged with using threatening or abusive words or behaviour, contrary to the Public Order Act, during an incident on December 28, 2025.

He pleaded guilty to the offence at the first opportunity.

Magistrates imposed a fine, and ordered Williams to pay prosecution costs and a victim surcharge.

Crime

Man fined and banned from driving after insurance offence

Published

4 days ago

January 8, 2026

Court Reporter

A PEMBROKE man has been fined and disqualified from driving after admitting a motoring offence.

Rhys Phillips, aged 33, of Bush Street, Pembroke, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Jan 7).

The court heard that Phillips drove a motor vehicle without insurance on October 2, 2025.

He pleaded guilty to the offence.

Magistrates imposed a fine, endorsed his licence with penalty points, and imposed a driving disqualification due to his record. He was also ordered to pay prosecution costs and a victim surcharge.