News

48 years in jail for Pembrokeshire drugs gang [Updated]

Published

10 years ago

June 24, 2016

cocaine

MEMBERS of a drugs gang who shipped more than £1m worth of cocaine into Pembrokeshire have been jailed today(Jun 24) for a total of 48 years.

The “head” of the west Wales link, businessman James Bolton, 48, of Kiln Road, Johnston, was jailed for nine and a half years.

Detectives bugged his business, Station Automotives, and heard him discussing drugs deals.

James Frederick Bolton

His then partner, Siobhan Jackson, 39, also of Kiln Road, was jailed for five years and four months.

Siobhan Jackson

Leigh Salter, aged 37, of Steynton Road, Milford Haven, said to be the “main man” in Milford Haven, was also jailed for five years and four months.

Leigh John Salter

Andrew Davies, aged 54, of Hill Street, Haverfordwest, who made four drugs runs as a courier in return for £700, was sent down for four years and four months.

Andrew John Davies

Part way through the conspiracy, which involved linking up with drugs suppliers in Liverpool, Salter started a quite separate scheme to buy drugs from a dealer in Swansea.

He used former soldier David Parker, aged 41, of Skomer Drive, Milford Haven, who was caught by detectives as he collected drugs for Salter.

Parker, said to be an active charity fund raiser in Milford, was jailed for 16 months, suspended for two years, and ordered to carry out 250 hours of unpaid work for the community.

They had all admitted conspiring to supply cocaine between September 1, 2012, and April 22, 2015.

Judge Paul Thomas, sitting at Swansea crown court, said the “kingpin” in Liverpool had been Adam Idris, 33, of Grove Dale Road, Liverpool.

Adam John Idris

The conspiracy was smashed by detectives working on Operation Pigeon but before they could move in Idris was arrested in Stoke on Trent as he delivered 250 grams of cocaine.

He was granted police bail while inquiries continued but spent his time setting up the Pembrokeshire conspiracy.

He was jailed for 12 years.

Adam Woodhouse, 34, of Weaver Close, Alsager, Staffordshire, his main courier who admitted making 60 trips to Pembrokeshire to either deliver drugs or collect money, received six years and eight months.

Adam Mark Woodhouse

Idris’ cousin, bank worker John Foster, 34, of Tiverton Road, Liverpool, admitted money laundering and was jailed for two years and six months.

John Paul Foster

Dannielle Maloney, 36, of Dovedale Road, Liverpool, admitted the same charge. She was sentenced to 16 months, suspended for 12 months, and told to undertake 60 days of a rehabilitation activity and to carry out 250 hours of unpaid work.

Judge Thomas told all the defendants they had known the risks involved in supplying a class A drug.

“You took a gamble and lost. Now you must pay the price,” he said.

“Cocaine is often referred to as a leisure drug, but that hides the ugly truth, that it destroys lives and families.

“But each of you took a deliberate decision to get involved in this illegal activity.”

The gang, he said, had made huge amounts of money out of west Wales while creating huge amounts of misery for the people who ultimately consumed the drugs.

During a two day sentencing hearing Robin Rouch, the barrister leading the prosecution, said police logged mobile telephone traffic, car movements and money transfers and in all were able to identify 43 drug runs, although after his arrest Woodhouse alone confessed to at least 60.

It became clear, said Mr Rouch, that Salter and Bolton were the “main players” locally and that Idris was the supplier and Woodhouse the main courier.

When police moved in to make arrests they made finds that suggested about 500 grams of cocaine, worth £30,000, were being shipped each time.

The listening device picked up Bolton and Jackson discussing delivery routes and changing mobile telephones.

And Jackson was followed to Liverpool.

Mr Rouch said Operation Pigeon soon became intertwined with another drugs operation that involved Idris supplying cocaine from Liverpool to the Stoke on Trent area.

Bolton, the court heard, had been convicted in 2010 of possessing cocaine with intent to supply.

Mr Rouch said a Proceeds of Crime investigation was now underway to identify drugs profits that could be confiscated.

POLICE WELCOME SENTENCES

Officers from the Dyfed-Powys Police Serious and Organised Crime Team welcome the sentences handed down today by Judge Paul Thomas in respect to the ten individuals convicted for their part in a conspiracy to supply Class A controlled drugs, namely cocaine, into the Pembrokeshire area. The operation had been named, “Operation Pigeon”.

The operation centred on the illegal drug dealing activities of two Organised Crime Groups (OCG’s) within Pembrokeshire. The first headed by James Frederick Bolton operating within the Johnston / Haverfordwest area and the second headed by Leigh John Salter operating within the Milford Haven area. Mr Bolton and Mr Salter had sourced significant quantities of cocaine from a Liverpool OCG headed by Adam John Idris and had arranged its onward distribution at Pembrokeshire via a criminal network of associates. Later in the investigation it was identified that Leigh John Salter also sourced cocaine from a Swansea based individual.

The operation captured evidence between a significant period: from October 2012 to April 2015.

Police intercepted two seizures of cocaine during the course of the investigation totalling 1.2Kg.

Officers evidenced the movement of in the region of £60,000 between Pembrokeshire and the Liverpool based crime group during the conspiracy period. Furthermore, in the region of £7,000 cash was also recovered by police.

Detective Chief Inspector Huw Davies, the Senior Investigating officer, told The Herald: “Today’s sentences are pleasing and reflect the hard work and tenacity of the investigating team during a complex enquiry.

“The investigation evidences a commitment by Dyfed Powys police to provide appropriate resources to investigate and reduce the risk of drug related harm within our communities.

“The investigation disclosed that this crime group were responsible for the trafficking of cocaine into the Pembrokeshire area.

These were significant amounts of cocaine to be available within the small communities of Pembrokeshire and the investigation and enforcement is likely to have had a significant impact.

“The level of this investigation and sentencing should send a clear message to those intent on committing serious crime within our policing area that you will ultimately be frustrated and held responsible for your actions”

Farming

Plaid urged to move faster on farming reforms amid subsidy concerns

Published

2 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Welsh Conservatives accuse Plaid Cymru of failing farmers as ministers call for patience over changes to agricultural support

CONCERNS over the pace of farming reforms in Wales have intensified after the Welsh Conservatives accused the Welsh Government of failing to act quickly enough on promised changes to agricultural subsidy schemes.

The criticism comes after Welsh Government Rural Resilience and Sustainability Minister, Llyr Gruffydd, urged farmers to be patient as major changes to support payments continue to be developed.

Speaking to ITV Wales, Mr Gruffydd acknowledged that “change is difficult” as the government seeks to reshape agricultural support across rural Wales. The comments come at a time of growing unease among parts of the farming community over the future of post-Brexit subsidy arrangements and concerns about financial pressures facing farms.

The reforms centre on replacing previous support systems with a new approach intended to balance food production, environmental sustainability and rural resilience. However, some farmers and unions have warned that uncertainty over payments and policy changes risks damaging confidence in the sector.

Reacting to the minister’s remarks, Welsh Conservative Shadow Farming Minister, Andrew RT Davies, said Plaid Cymru was not moving quickly enough to deliver on commitments made to Welsh farmers.

Mr Davies said: “Change is not difficult – contrary to Plaid Cymru separatists’ claims.

“If the will is there, there’s no reason reforms can’t be implemented immediately.

“Plaid Cymru separatists must fulfil their promises to Welsh farmers now.”

The comments reflect wider political tensions over the direction of farming policy in Wales, with opposition parties arguing that delays and uncertainty are creating anxiety for agricultural businesses already facing rising costs and economic pressures.

Farming remains a major part of the Welsh economy, particularly in rural counties such as Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion, where many communities rely heavily on agriculture and associated industries.

The Welsh Government has previously said changes to support schemes are aimed at creating a more sustainable long-term future for farming, though ministers have acknowledged the transition period will take time and may prove challenging for some in the industry.

The debate over subsidy reform is likely to remain a key political battleground as the government finalises details of its future support model and seeks to reassure farmers concerned about their livelihoods.

Community

Milford paddling pool could close after rowdy adults seen throwing glass bottles

Published

2 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN TOWN COUNCIL has warned that the town’s paddling pool could be drained and closed if anti-social behaviour continues.

The warning follows an incident today in which rowdy adults were reportedly drinking alcohol from glass bottles inside the pool enclosure and throwing a glass bottle around.

The council also said people were seen smoking cannabis just outside the gate.

In a statement, Milford Haven Town Council said the behaviour was “highly dangerous, irresponsible and inconsiderate” and “cannot and will not be tolerated”.

The council warned: “If this sort of behaviour continues we will have no choice but to consider draining and closing the pool.”

The paddling pool is run voluntarily by a dedicated group of councillors for the benefit of local families and visitors.

The council is now urging people to act responsibly so the facility can remain open and be enjoyed safely by everyone.

Business

WestJet’s first Toronto flight lands at Cardiff Airport

Published

2 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

New seasonal service restores direct link between Wales and Canada after nearly 20 years

CARDIFF AIRPORT has welcomed the first WestJet flight from Toronto, marking the return of a direct air link between Wales and Canada for the first time in almost 20 years.

The inaugural service from Toronto Pearson International Airport landed at Cardiff on Saturday (May 23), officially launching a new transatlantic route between South Wales and North America.

Passengers on the first arrival were greeted with a traditional water cannon salute, while Penarth choir Criw Canu welcomed the crew and customers with Welsh songs at the aircraft steps.

The new route will operate four times a week using WestJet’s Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft. Cardiff Airport said the service would open up new opportunities for tourism, business, investment and cultural links between Wales and Canada.

Toronto Pearson is also a major hub, offering onward connections to more than 100 destinations across Canada and the United States, including Calgary, Halifax, Vancouver and Florida.

Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, Adam Price MS, attended the launch alongside guests including Vale of Glamorgan Council leader Cllr Lis Burnett, Lord-Lieutenant of South Glamorgan Morfudd Meredith, Ontario’s Agent-General in London Sophia Arvanitis, Visit Wales and aviation industry partners.

Mr Price said: “WestJet’s inaugural flight from Cardiff to Toronto is a powerful signal to the world that our nation is open for business.

“Direct transatlantic connectivity like this is exactly what Welsh businesses need to reach new markets, attract investment and grow and it reinforces our ambition to make Wales one of the best-connected economies in the UK.

“Cardiff Airport is a vital piece of our economic infrastructure, and today’s milestone is something to celebrate.”

Jon Bridge, Chief Executive Officer of Cardiff Airport, described the launch as a landmark moment for the airport and for Wales.

He said: “The arrival of WestJet’s direct service gives customers easier access to Toronto and onward destinations across North America. It firmly strengthens Cardiff Airport’s position as the international gateway for Wales.

“We are proud to welcome WestJet and excited about the long-term potential of this partnership.”

Chris White-DeVries, WestJet Senior Manager Hub Strategy and Airport Affairs, said the route was an important addition to the airline’s transatlantic network.

He said: “WestJet’s new seasonal offering makes it easier for more people to discover everything South Wales and Canada have to offer, while staying closely connected to friends, family and business opportunities.

“Cardiff plays an important role in our growing transatlantic network, and we are proud to offer our guests from Wales more convenient access to Canada.”

The Cardiff to Toronto service departs Cardiff at 11:35am on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Toronto to Cardiff flights depart at 10:10pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.