News

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

Published

10 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.

Farming

Plaid urged to move faster on farming reforms amid subsidy concerns

Published

6 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

7 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

7 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.