A MULTI-AGENCY operation has resulted in the seizure of illegal tobacco, vapes and cash from two shops in Pembrokeshire, as part of a major crackdown on the illegal tobacco trade.

Specialist Regional Trading Standards Officers (from Operation CeCe), Pembrokeshire County Council’s Trading Standards Team and Dyfed-Powys Police, took part in the operation on Thursday March 13.

As well as a haul of illegal products from two cars used for concealing supplies to top up stock available in the stores, a large quantity of cash suspected to be from criminal activity was seized and one vehicle impounded by the police, for having no tax or insurance.

It is believed that many of the cigarettes seized would have ended up in the hands of children and young people in Wales’ poorest communities which are targeted by criminals selling illegal tobacco at a significantly reduced cost.

Councillor Jacob Williams, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Regulatory Services, said: “The trade in illegal tobacco has strong links to other criminal activity. It creates a cheap source of unregulated tobacco, and undermines the good work being done to help people of all ages quit smoking.

“Non-compliant vaping devices are also of concern, particularly as they are known to be popular among youngsters. They may contain a much higher amount of nicotine than permitted by UK Regulations, presenting a serious risk of harm because nicotine isn’t just highly addictive, it’s also a poison. Among the other toxic ingredients found in counterfeit vapes are arsenic, lead and formaldehyde.”

Around 6,000 children in Wales take up smoking every year and three out of four of those children will go on to be long-term smokers.

Smoking is an addiction that begins in childhood. A recent ASH Wales survey found that 76% of smokers in Wales tried their first cigarette before the age of 18.

There are also safety issues as counterfeit cigarettes may be contaminated with toxic elements such as arsenic and lead compared to genuine brands.

Since the launch of the crackdown four years ago, Trading Standards and HMRC have been gathering intelligence on criminal tobacco gangs and have seized over six million cigarettes. More raids across Wales are planned in the next few months.

“We need to keep tobacco out of the hands of children, cheap tobacco products make it easier for children to start smoking, as it is sold at pocket money prices by criminals who don’t care about age-restriction laws,” said officers from Operation CeCe.

“Operation CeCe has led to the biggest crackdown on illegal tobacco in Wales since devolution.”

Sergeant Claire Evans of Dyfed-Powys Police, added: “Working with our partner agencies with a robust approach has proven to be successful, and we will continue to target such establishments who are selling illegal contraband in Pembrokeshire, seizing cash, vehicles, and any other property linked to the running of these illegal operations.”

If you think that someone is selling illegal tobacco, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit http://crimestoppers-uk.org. Your information can help keep your community safe and healthy.

If you want to quit smoking, contact Help Me Quit on freephone 0800 085 2219 or visit https://www.helpmequit.wales/

A SMALL group of protesters gathered outside a house in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (Mar 19) following the release of convicted sex offender Matthew Gilbert.

The demonstration took place on Water Street, where Gilbert now resides. Protesters, including some youths, voiced their concerns about his presence in the community, particularly due to the number of young children living nearby. The property is also close to a local boxing club used by youngsters.

Gilbert, 39, was previously sentenced to 16 months in prison after sexually assaulting a 15-year-old boy on a bus traveling from Haverfordwest to Milford Haven. During the incident, Gilbert sat next to the teenager, engaged him in conversation, and proceeded to touch the boy’s thigh inappropriately. The victim later reported feeling “frozen” and “shocked” by the assault.

At his sentencing, the judge described Gilbert as posing a “significant risk to young boys” and placed him on the sex offenders register for 10 years.

In addition to this offense, Gilbert has a record of other criminal activities. He previously admitted to making obscene phone calls to the Pembroke Dock fire station, which caused distress among the emergency crew. He was also convicted of sexually assaulting another man in Neyland in September 2023.

Residents are now questioning why Gilbert has been allowed to reside so close to children and a boxing club frequented by young people. The protest on Tuesday remained peaceful, with police confirming that no arrests were made.

Authorities have yet to comment on whether further action will be taken regarding Gilbert’s presence in the community.

AN INQUEST has opened into the death of 15-year-old Kady Hannah Absalom, who was found at a property in Burton on Saturday, March 15.

HM Coroner for Pembrokeshire, Paul Bennett, heard that emergency services were called to the property at 4:27pm. Paramedics were already at the scene, where the teenager was reported to be in cardiac arrest. She was pronounced dead shortly after.

Coroner’s officer PC Carrie Sheridan confirmed that the girl who sadly died was Kady Hannah Absalom, a school pupil born in Haverfordwest.

A post-mortem examination was carried out by Dr Stephen Leadbeatter at West Wales General Hospital in Carmarthen.

Dyfed-Powys Police have launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death, with enquiries ongoing.

The death has deeply affected the local community, with Haverfordwest High School issuing a letter to parents expressing their sorrow. Headteacher Mrs J Harries described the loss as a “great shock” and extended her condolences to Kady’s family and friends.

The school has offered pastoral support to pupils affected by the tragedy and urged the community to be mindful of the impact of sharing unverified information on social media.

Mr Bennett expressed his sympathies to Kady’s family, saying: “I would like to say how sorry I am for the family that they have to endure not only the loss of their daughter but also the inquest process itself.”

The inquest has been adjourned until June for a review hearing.