News
£18.5m confiscated in drug operation
CONFISCATION orders with a criminal benefit of £18.5million have been granted against 12 offenders who are currently serving prison sentences for their roles in a cocaine conspiracy carried out in South Wales, Liverpool and Aberdeen.
The orders were made under the Proceeds of Crime Act by His Honour Judge Paul Thomas QC during a special hearing at Swansea Crown Court on Friday, May 5.
Vehicles, jewelry and cash that had been seized during Operation Phobos – the Dyfed-Powys Police-led investigation that led to the arrest and conviction of 18 offenders involved in a large-scale cocaine conspiracy – was used to pay off part of the orders.
The defendants have 12 weeks to pay the available assets. If they fail to pay, extra time will be added to their prison sentence. If they ever come into money in the future, the order would allow an application to be made for its confiscation.
Detective Sergeant Rhys Jones said: “The sanctioning of these Proceeds of Crime Orders should serve another clear message to anyone involved or considered in getting involved in the making and sale of illegal drugs.
“Not only will we relentlessly pursue you and do everything in our power to arrest you and provide strong evidence cases to the courts to secure convictions, we will also go after the assets.”
Business
Bluestone crowned ‘Best Small Company for UK Parks and Lodge Holidays’
BLUESTONE is celebrating a major win after being named the Best Small Company for UK Parks and Lodges Holidays at the prestigious British Travel Awards 2024.
The announcement was made at the prestigious awards ceremony this week, marking yet another significant achievement for the popular West Wales destination.
This award recognises Bluestone’s commitment to providing exceptional family holiday experiences at its 500-acre resort in the stunning Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
“We are absolutely thrilled to receive this award,” said Bethan Rees, Head of Marketing at Bluestone. “It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, who create magical and memorable experiences for families all year round. We are incredibly grateful to every single one of our guests who voted for us and who choose to visit us year on year.
“When you look at the array of other finalists, the award demonstrates why we’re so proud of winning it. This is due to our continued investment, team, and commitment to environmentally sustainable tourism.”
This award builds on Bluestone’s impressive track record. It has consistently received high praise for its family-friendly facilities, commitment to sustainability, and dedication to providing outstanding customer service. Earlier this year, Bluestone was again recognised by Which? as one of the UK’s top holiday destinations and the best rated in Wales.
The British Travel Awards are the largest consumer-voted awards programme in the UK. Winning this award highlights Bluestone’s position as a leader in the family holiday market and reinforces its reputation as a top choice for unforgettable family getaways.
Bluestone, which employs over 800 people and is one of the largest employers in West Wales, is also committed to investing in its people and local community. It provides extensive training and development through its People Services team and the Bluestone Academy. In addition, it supports a wide range of local projects and initiatives through the Bluestone Foundation.
News
Multi-agency exercise at South Hook LNG Terminal
A MULTI-AGENCY exercise is scheduled to take place at the South Hook LNG Terminal tomorrow (Sunday), between 8:00am and 3:00pm.
Local residents in the vicinity of the terminal have already been informed about the event. However, authorities wish to reassure the wider public that an increase in traffic and activity near the terminal is part of this pre-planned exercise.
The exercise is a routine collaboration among emergency services and stakeholders to ensure preparedness for potential scenarios.
Residents and commuters are thanked in advance for their understanding and cooperation.
Crime
Police offer advice after 60 reports of stolen quad bikes from farms
DYFED-POWYS POLICE is advising the rural community to make sure security measures are in place to protect quad bikes and other farm equipment, in response to a spate of thefts.
There have been over 60 reports of stolen quad bikes across the force in 2024.
Farmers and other owners of quad bikes are reminded to be vigilant of suspicious vehicles and people in their community and to report any concerns to police.
Dyfed-Powys Police has acquired 150 SelectaDNA Rural Kits to support their efforts in combating rural crime. These advanced DNA asset-marking kits will be used to offer free property marking services to farmers, helping them protect their valuable equipment and machinery.
In addition to property marking, our Rural Crime Team officers, who are also qualified Crime Prevention Tactical Advisors (CPTAC), will visit farms to conduct comprehensive crime prevention audits. These audits are designed to ensure farms have the best security measures in place to deter criminal activity and safeguard their livelihoods.
The SelectaDNA Rural Kits use a unique DNA solution that can be applied to tools, vehicles, machinery, and other valuable assets. This marking is virtually invisible but can be detected under UV light, providing an indisputable link between stolen property and its rightful owner. This has proven to be a powerful deterrent against theft and an invaluable tool in recovering stolen items.
Rural communities are often targeted by criminals due to their remote locations and the high value of farming equipment.By offering free property marking and crime prevention visits, Dyfed-Powys Police aim to empower farmers with effective tools and advice to protect their assets and reduce the risk of crime.
Sergeant Paul Roberts from our Rural Crime Team, said: “I ask that local farmers and other quad bike owners take appropriate action to minimise the opportunities of these thefts occurring. This includes removing keys from ignitions after use and locking barns or outbuildings wherever the vehicles may be kept.
“I’m aware that thefts of quad bikes and farming machinery causes disruption to farmers’ work, as well as the financial implications, and I would like to reassure the public that police are thoroughly investigating these matters.
“I encourage anyone living in rural communities to remain vigilant to this type of theft, and to report any suspicious vehicles or behaviour to police either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.”
The Rural Crime Team will be attending marts across the force, where community members can bring items such as tools, machinery, and bikes to be marked.
Farmers can also arrange a visit from our Rural Crime Team to mark equipment and conduct a security audit by emailing [email protected]
Visit our website for more information and advice about rural crime and what prevention measure you can take – https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rc/rural-crime/
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