News

Sentencing begins in Dyfed-Powys Police’s biggest ever drugs op

Published

8 years ago

September 26, 2016

A JUDGE has begun to sentence cocaine suppliers after the biggest drugs operations ever carried out by Dyfed-Powys police.

The first four defendants were today jailed for a total of 36 years and a further 15 will be sentenced before Friday.

At least four police officers are expected to be commended for “very impressive, intelligent, carefully directed work.”

Swansea Crown Court heard how gangs in Milford Haven and Swansea linked up with even larger gangs in Liverpool and Manchester to flood the areas with cocaine.

Detectives from west Wales then found themselves investigating a third conspiracy in Scotland.

By the time arrests had finished the gang had run £18.5m worth of cocaine into the south Wales valleys, £67,520 of cocaine into Milford Haven and £286,000 of cocaine and cannabis into Scotland.

Andrew Jones, prosecuting, explained how officers launched Operation Phobos to identify those supplying and selling cocaine from Clydach and later Llanelli.

Ian Michael Edwards, aged 30, was identified as the head of the Liverpool team supplying a gang led by Matthew Roberts, who used “sophisticated” techniques to evade detection.

But police managed to insert a listening probe at a property in Vera Road, Clydach, and incriminating information began flowing in.

Soon the same force launched Operation Pigeon when it became clear that Edwards and others were also supplying Leigh Salter, described in court as the head of an organised crime gang in Milford Haven. Salter was jailed in June for five years and four months.

A third operation was later started when evidence emerged of Edwards sending cocaine and cannabis to Aberdeen.

All three investigations were handled by Dyfed Powys.

Mr Jones said the conspiracies were widespread and far reaching and involved gangs that were sophisticated and organised.

Members used cheap, throw-away mobile telephones and regularly changed vehicles to confuse police.

Couriers had cover stories and sometimes took along their pet dogs or children while delivering drugs to make it look like they were just out for the day.

Mr Jones said the amounts of money involved were vast—one gang member drove around in an £80,000 Mercedes and bought a £250,000 boat using his bank debit card.

When Edwards was arrested he had £24,000 in cash—but an examination of his mobile showed a photograph of £100,000 in used notes inside a kitchen cupboard.

Edwards, of Abbotts Close, Liverpool, was jailed for 14 years. His right hand man in Liverpool, who cannot be named at this stage, received 10 years and a courier seven years.

Roberts’ sister Emma, aged 34, was jailed for five and a half years. She allowed cocaine to be stored at her home in Clos Burlais, Cwmdu, Swansea.

They had all admitted conspiring to supply cocaine between November 2014 and November 2015.

Judge Thomas told them, “You knew the gamble you were taking. You had to weigh up the advantages and set them against what would happen if you were caught.

“You decided it was a risk worth taking to make a lot of money. You thought your profit was worth the misery that drugs would bring to others.”

Judge Thomas described Edwards as a career criminal.

He said he would deal with police commendations at the end of the sentencing hearings.

Charity

Sue Ryder calls on public to donate unwanted Christmas gifts

Published

2 hours ago

December 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NATIONAL palliative care and bereavement charity Sue Ryder is urging the public to support its end-of-life care and grief services by donating unwanted Christmas gifts.

Whether it’s a scarf that’s not your colour, a gadget you don’t need, or a novelty item gathering dust, Sue Ryder hopes people will consider donating these items to their local charity shop.

Not only will this help declutter homes after the festive season, but it will also ensure those facing bereavement or a terminal illness in the New Year can access vital support.

To donate, people can drop goods off at their nearest Sue Ryder shop. For larger items such as furniture, free collections can be arranged through the charity’s website.

Sue Ryder operates almost 400 shops across the UK in high streets, retail parks, and shopping centres, with proceeds funding hospices, palliative care hubs, and bereavement services.

Anthony Barlow, Senior Regional Manager at Sue Ryder, said: “Christmas is a wonderful time for exchanging gifts, but the reality is that many of us end up with items we don’t need. If you’re still in the gift-giving spirit and want to declutter, you can regift unwanted presents to Sue Ryder.

“By donating, you’ll not only help the environment but also support people during some of the most challenging moments of their lives—all while creating space for a fresh start in 2025.

“This New Year, we’re welcoming quality clothes, household goods, electricals, books, toys, accessories, and collectibles.”

Donations can be made at local Sue Ryder shops or via sueryder.org/shop.

Crime

Motorist, 27, bailed after fatal Carmarthenshire hit-and-run collision

Published

2 hours ago

December 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

OFFICERS are continuing to investigate a fatal road traffic collision that occurred in Llanpumsaint on Monday (December 23), which claimed the life of 38-year-old Aaron Jones.

A 27-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, failing to stop for a collision, and failing to report a collision. He has since been released on bail with conditions while serious collision investigation and CSI teams continue their enquiries.

The collision happened near Caer Salem Baptist Chapel between 6:45pm and 7:45pm while Aaron was walking his dog. Police believe the vehicle involved was travelling northbound through the village at the time.

Specially trained officers continue to support Aaron’s family, who have requested privacy during this difficult time.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Our investigation into this tragic incident remains ongoing, and we are continuing to appeal to anyone who may have dashcam footage, CCTV, or doorbell camera recordings from the area around the time of the collision to come forward.”

The road has since reopened, but police presence in the area remains while enquiries continue.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police using the details provided in the comments.

Charity

Over 1,100 festive bathers enjoy Tenby’s famous Boxing Day Swim

Published

22 hours ago

December 26, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A RECORD-BREAKING number of 1,150 festive bathers have had a splashing time in the Tenby Boxing Day Swim this morning.

The fancy dress theme of Superheroes – in tribute to the RNLI in its 200th anniversary year – saw Batman, The Incredibles, Wonderwoman and a whole crew of emergency services dashing into the chilly water of Tenby’s North Beach.

RNLI mascot Stormy Stan was there amongst the huge crowds to cheer the brave bathers on their way.
The swim will be one to remember forever for one duo of dippers as they got engaged following a surprise proposal on the sand.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach Philip Frith, 34, made one of his best-ever moves when he popped the question to his girlfriend, former professional dancer Victoria Tansey, 34, who is originally from Hakin.

Said swim chairman Sam Skyrme-Blackhall: “”Well, we said ‘come to the Tenby Boxing Day Swim and take the plunge’ but we weren’t expecting that! Congratulations to the happy couple”.
The swim has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for charities and good causes in its 52-year history, and this yeae’s event will see Tenby RNLI as the main beneficiary.

Town mayor Dai Morgan said: ”It’s great to see so many people from here, and for such a good cause. I just love it down on the beach on Boxing Day. The swim is such a fantastic tradition.”
The mayor’s daughter, 18-year-old Erin Morgan, who is Tenby’s town crier, gave a special ‘cry’ to welcome the swim.

Swim chairman Sam supervised 10-year-old Sam Fecci as he fired the swim’s starting pistol – a duty usually carried out by his dad, Stuart, who was not well enough to attend.

Festive tunes and a lively commentary from DJ Steve Briers ramped up the atmosphere on the beach and swimmers emerged from the sea to be presented with commemorative medals and warm up with hot soup donated by the Giltar Hotel and served up by Tenby and District Lions.

‘Taking the plunge’ at a festive swim in Wales this morning meant more than just a dip in the sea for one happy couple.

As hundreds of Boxing Day bathers at the legendary event in Tenby dashed for the water, a magical moment was happening between Victoria Tansey and Philip Frith.
Philip, 34, went down on one knee on the sand and asked Victoria, 37, to marry him.

Fortunately, she said an ecstatic ‘yes’ to the carefully-planned proposal, which saw the couple’s special song Ocean Eyes y Billie Eilish sound out over the beach as the newly-engaged couple celebrated with a splash in the sea.

As a former Royal Marine Philip – who is now a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu coach – has faced some scary situations in his life but the Boxing Day proposal was up there with the most nail-biting.
“I’ve been so nervous/special moment.

Victoria, originally from Hakin, Milford Haven in Pembrokeshire, worked as a professional dancer – appearing on the X Factor, Britain’s Got Talent and Pineapple Dance Studio: Survival of the Fittest -and before setting up her own entertainment agency.

Although now living in Guildford with Philip, she has always loved returning to her Pembrokeshire roots

“When we first met, Victoria couldn’t wait to show me all around Pembrokeshire and we have made the trip as often as work would allow us, to visit her family, go beach hopping and take in the breathtaking scenery,” said Philip.

“I absolutely love sea swimming, I believe that it is so worthwhile for your body and mind, however Victoria has never been one to enjoy the cold!

“So, on our first Christmas together as a couple, Victoria surprised me by taking me to Tenby for the Boxing Day Swim – it’s honestly one of my most fond memories from the start of our relationship!

“I wanted to return her the favour of surprising her by proposing to her at this year’s swim.”

Victoria’s mum and her childhood best friend , Sean Griffiths – who she set up Milford Haven’s Unison Dance Group with in 2004 –were on the beach to watch the proposal, with Sean bringing along the engagement ring in his pocket to fellow swimmers crowded round to congratulate Victoria and Philip, and swim chairman Sam Skyrme-Blackhall laughed: “Well, we said ‘come to the Tenby Boxing Day Swim and take the plunge’ but we weren’t expecting that! Congratulations to the happy couple”.

Images: Gareth Davies Photography Tenby