Crime
Cocaine deaths spark regional summit across West Wales
Health, police and support services unite after rising concerns in Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire
COCAINE has been identified in a significant number of drug-related deaths across Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire over the past year.
Frontline teams have also reported rising incidents of violence, aggression and criminal justice involvement among people accessing drug and alcohol support services.
Dyfed-Powys Police data shows cocaine is now the force’s second most seized drug, and remains widely used across a range of settings.
In response, the Dyfed Area Planning Board brought together representatives from health, policing, commissioned services, social services and community organisations for a regional summit aimed at understanding the scale of the problem and agreeing joint action.
Hywel Dda’s Community Drug and Alcohol Team opened the event with an overview of emerging substance use trends. Dyfed-Powys Police then shared enforcement intelligence, while Public Health Wales provided a national perspective on stimulant use.
Clinical specialists also outlined the impact of cocaine use on maternity services, blood-borne virus transmission, exercise culture and the night-time economy.
The summit concluded with harm reduction training and group discussions focused on strengthening prevention, treatment pathways and community support across West Wales.
Steve Reynolds, Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service manager, said: “DDAS are incredibly encouraged by the success of this cocaine summit. Cocaine-related harms are complex and evolving, and through collaboration and open dialogue we can respond effectively.
“The summit reinforced the importance of reducing stigma, expanding access to support, and ensuring that people who use our services receive compassionate, person-centred care.
“We remain committed to working with partners in developing practical actions that improve outcomes for individuals, families and communities.”
Detective Superintendent Gareth Roberts, of Dyfed-Powys Police, said: “It was a pleasure to host this valuable event at Dyfed-Powys Police.
“As a force, we are committed to working in partnership to improve the health, wellbeing, and safety of our communities as we work hard to reduce the risk of drug-related harm.”
Craig Jones, Hywel Dda Prevention and Population Health Improvement Manager, said: “This summit marks the beginning of a coordinated regional effort to reduce harm, improve outcomes and strengthen support for individuals, families and communities affected by cocaine use.
“Partners will now work together to address availability, risk reduction and access to support.”
Anyone experiencing problems with substance use, or anyone seeking more information about the Community Drug and Alcohol Team, can visit hduhb.nhs.wales/drug-and-alcohol.
Crime
Mid Wales peace activist arrested outside court after Palestine Action ruling
MID WALES peace activist Angie Zelter was arrested outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London after holding a placard in support of Palestine Action.
The 75-year-old campaigner, from Knucklas, Powys, was detained at around 12:20pm on the steps of the court, according to Radnor Palestine Links.
The group said Ms Zelter was arrested under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000 after holding a sign which read: “Saving lives is not terrorism. I support Palestine Action.”
She was taken to Charing Cross Police Station and released around two hours later, the group said.

The arrest came as the Court of Appeal ruled in favour of the UK Government over its decision to proscribe Palestine Action under terrorism legislation.
The ruling overturned an earlier High Court decision which had found the ban unlawful. The Court of Appeal held that the Government’s decision was lawful and proportionate.
Palestine Action was banned after the Home Secretary moved to proscribe the group under the Terrorism Act 2000. Supporting or inviting support for a proscribed organisation can be a criminal offence.
Radnor Palestine Links said the protest formed part of an ongoing campaign against the use of counter-terrorism laws against peaceful demonstrators.
Ms Zelter, a long-standing peace and human rights campaigner, has been arrested more than 100 times worldwide during decades of non-violent direct action. She is also known as a founder of Trident Ploughshares.
Speaking after her arrest, Ms Zelter said: “I think it’s a terrible indictment of the criminal justice system that you are charging me with terrorism for holding a peaceful sign.
“We have to uphold the most important international laws. Peaceful, disruptive protest is absolutely essential to protect democracy.”
The Metropolitan Police has been asked to confirm the circumstances of the arrest, whether Ms Zelter was formally charged, and the conditions of her release.
Photo caption: Court protest: Angie Zelter outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London holding a sign in support of Palestine Action (Pic: Radnor Palestine Links).
Crime
Llangadog man fined after breaching restraining order twice
Court hears defendant contacted protected person despite ban
A LLANGADOG man has been fined £1,375 after twice breaching a restraining order by contacting a protected person he had been banned from approaching.
Adam Thomas Davies, 34, of Llangadog, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Jun 15) for proceedings linked to an existing community order.
The court heard Davies had breached a restraining order on two separate occasions in June last year by contacting a person he had been prohibited from approaching under an order imposed by Llanelli Magistrates’ Court in November 2019.
Magistrates were told the original community order, imposed in August 2025, had become unworkable due to long-term physical health issues alongside Davies’ employment.
The court revoked the existing order and resentenced him for the original offences.
Davies was made subject to a new community order running until June 14, 2027. He must comply with a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement and attend appointments or activities as directed by probation services, for up to 15 days.
As a punitive element of the order, magistrates imposed a fine of £1,375.
The court heard the breaches related to unlawful contact made in Carmarthenshire despite the restrictions remaining in force.
Davies was ordered to pay the fine at a rate of £120 per month, starting from July 13.
Crime
Road safety grant fund launched for community projects
COMMUNITY groups, charities and local organisations across the Dyfed-Powys area are being invited to apply for funding for projects aimed at improving road safety.
Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn has launched a new Road Safety Community Grant Fund to support local initiatives designed to reduce risks on the roads, raise awareness and encourage safer behaviour among drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.
The fund will support preventative projects led by communities, including education and awareness programmes, behaviour-change campaigns, road safety events, training and skills development, and evidence-led pilot schemes.
Applications will be assessed on their potential to improve road safety, provide value for money and deliver clear community benefits.
Mr Llywelyn said: “Keeping our communities safe on our roads is a fundamental part of our wider mission to protect the public and reduce harm.
“By investing in community-led initiatives, we are empowering local organisations to deliver practical, innovative solutions that improve road safety, change behaviours, and ultimately save lives.”
The fund forms part of the commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan for 2025-2029, which includes commitments to preventing harm, supporting safer communities and working in partnership on issues affecting local people.
Further details, including eligibility criteria and how to apply, are available on the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner’s website.
The fund closes at 10:00pm on Sunday, July 19.
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