News

Six jailed for trafficking cocaine and cannabis to Pembrokeshire

Published

2 years ago

December 3, 2022

SIX people have been jailed for their parts in an organised crime gang (OCG) which trafficked large quantities of cocaine and cannabis into Pembrokeshire.

The OCG were caught under Op Rookley, a covert investigation by Dyfed-Powys Police’s Serious and Organised Crime Team, which dismantled the gang that was transporting both the Class A and Class B drugs between Dorset, Merseyside and Pembrokeshire over an 11-month period.

On Friday (Dec 2) at Swansea Crown Court, Leigh Smith, aged 44, of Owls Road, was sentenced to 3 years and 9 months; Shaun Lucas, aged 48, of Ty Cornel, Park Street, Fishguard, was sentenced to 9 years and 8 months; and Terence Harrison, aged 43, of Kings Road West, Swanage, was sentenced to 8 years 4 months.

All three had pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs at an earlier hearing.
Earlier this month Ozan Kilicaslan, aged 30, of Ashley Road, Poole, was sentenced to 41 weeks in prison having pleaded guilty to money laundering and conspiracy to supply class B drugs.
Charlotte Doe, aged 32, of Halves Cottages, Corfe Castle, was sentenced to 13 months and Ryan Ager, aged 34, of Pilch Bank Road, Liverpool, was sentenced to 19 months, both having pleaded guilty to money laundering.

Leone James, aged 33, of Precelly Crescent, Stop and Call, Goodwick, will be sentenced on Friday, 16 December, having pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class B drugs.
An eighth person, Steven John Kerr, aged 35, of Tracks Lane, Billinge, near Wigan, was found not guilty of money laundering following trial.

Senior investigating officer DI Richard Lewis said: “This was a lengthy operation involving a number of departments across the force, who investigated intelligence, coordinated a series of warrants, interviewed the defendants and carried out detailed enquiries into their activity.
“Today’s sentencing culminates more than a year of police work, which saw the disruption of a major supply chain into Pembrokeshire and the dismantling of an organised crime gang, which was no doubt linked to illegal activity on a wider scale.”

The Goodwick-based gang was headed by Lucas, who sourced the drugs from Dorset-based Liverpudlian Harrison. Lucas was then responsible for the onward supply of the cocaine and cannabis in the Fishguard, wider Pembrokeshire areas.

Lucas utilised his partner James’ home address in Stop & Call, Goodwick, as a base to orchestrate the supply network and serve his numerous customers.
He also utilised this address to meet with couriers Kilicaslan and Smith who were responsible for the delivery of drugs, as well as those responsible for collecting the cash generated from the sale of the cocaine and cannabis.

As part of the disruption, police seized 244g of cocaine as it was being transported from Dorset to Pembrokeshire in October 2021. Despite this enforcement action, they continued their illicit activities and in December 2021 Kilicaslan was arrested on his return journey from Lucas’ home address.

His vehicle smelt strongly of cannabis and he tested positive for the presence of cocaine during a roadside drug swipe. Within his vehicle officers located £15,000 linked to Lucas.

Following this further disruption, the gang continued to traffic cocaine and cannabis into the Pembrokeshire area for the onward supply by Lucas and less than three weeks later, Smith delivered a large quantity of cocaine to Lucas at his home address.

In January 2022, Doe was arrested on her return journey to Dorset from Lucas’ home address. Officers located more than £26,700 in her vehicle in two bundles, which were later forensically linked to both Lucas and Harrison. The following day the gang continued their endeavour and Lucas travelled to Dorset to meet with Harrison.

In March 2022 a two-week arrest phase saw eight people arrested in the Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Dorset and Pembrokeshire areas.

Ryan Ager, who refused to engage with officers at the time, later handed himself in at a Merseyside police station. Eight of those people, including Ager, were charged with being involved in a conspiracy to supply cocaine. Harrison, Lucas and Smith were also later charged with being involved in a conspiracy to supply cannabis. All three admitted both offences.

Kilicaslan later admitted his part in the conspiracy to supply cannabis and his involvement in money laundering offences.

Doe and Ager admitted to their involvement in money laundering offences and James later admitted to her involvement in the supply of cannabis.

Pembrokeshire Commander Superintendent Anthony Evans: “As a force we are making it a priority to target the people who bring and sell drugs in our area, so we’re pleased to have secured this result.
“Further work will now be carried out in relation to a Proceeds of Crime Act investigation which is aimed at confiscating criminal assets gained through illegal activities.
“Operation Rookley has resulted in the disruption of the supply of drugs into Pembrokeshire and shows Dyfed-Powys is intent on preventing travelling criminals from entering the area.”

To report suspicious behaviour in your community, visit https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, email [email protected], or call 101.

If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.

News

Tribute paid to ‘kind and caring’ solicitor who died in crash

Published

3 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE FAMILY of Emily Thornton-Sandy, a 30-year-old woman from Pontarddulais who tragically lost her life following a collision, have paid heartfelt tributes to a wife and daughter described as an “intelligent, kind, and caring soul.”

Emily passed away after her vehicle was involved in a collision on the A48 between Cross Hands and Pont Abraham on Tuesday (Nov 5) while she was driving home from a veterinary appointment. Her beloved dog, Scout, also died shortly after the crash.

Despite being rushed to the University Hospital of Wales, Emily’s condition worsened, and she died on Monday (Nov 11), with her husband by her side.

Emily’s husband shared his grief in a moving statement: “This still feels unreal, and none of us can take it in. Emily was kind, compassionate, and had so much more to give. She used her intelligence in her work as a solicitor, where she strove to help others affected by industrial disease. Emily loved literature and was passionate about her house plants.

“Her passing has left a hole in our lives that can never be filled. I wake up every morning in disbelief at the fact that I will never see her smile again. Emily deserved a long and happy life, and the thought of what happened to her that day brings the greatest pain to all those who love her.

“Scout was the most gentle, affectionate dog you could ever meet, and I have not been able to grieve for her death as I should. She brought great happiness to both me and Emily, and the world has lost so much joy.

“I wish to thank all emergency services staff and persons at the scene for all the help they provided to Emily and Scout, and to the staff at University Hospital of Wales for doing everything they could for Emily in the days following the collision.”

Emily’s parents also shared their heartbreak in a separate statement:
“The loss of Emily, our only child, is devastating. She meant the absolute world to us, and our lives have been changed forever. Not only have we lost our baby girl, but we mourn the loss of the grandchildren that we will never have.

“Emily has always been our pride and joy, and she achieved so much during her short life. She was an intelligent, kind, and caring soul who touched the lives of so many people, both in life and in death. She will never be forgotten.”

Emily’s death has left a lasting impact on all who knew her, and her family’s tributes reflect the deep love and admiration they held for her.

Community

Public meeting for Haverfordwest’s new transport interchange

Published

3 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

RESIDENTS of Haverfordwest are invited to attend a public engagement event at HaverHub on Thursday, 21st November from 3:00pm to 7:00pm to meet the team behind the upcoming Public Transport Interchange (PTI) development. The event will provide an opportunity for local people to learn more about the exciting project, which is due to start its rebuild phase imminently.

The PTI scheme forms part of the broader South West Wales Metro project, designed to create a modern, integrated transport hub for Haverfordwest. The new facility will bring significant improvements to local transport infrastructure, including enhancements to pedestrian and cycle access, as well as a more efficient and accessible bus station.

Cllr Paul Miller, Cabinet Member for Place, the Region, and Climate Change, said: “This is another exciting step in the extensive regeneration of Haverfordwest, and we look forward to seeing construction start on this important project.”

The new development will include seven bus bays, upgraded passenger facilities, and a multi-storey car park with around 280 spaces. The car park will also feature electric vehicle charging points, with provisions for future expansion, as well as solar panels on the roof. These green features are part of the project’s commitment to sustainability and the promotion of Active Travel, with a focus on walking and cycling.

Cllr Thomas Tudor, County Councillor for the Castle Ward, welcomed the public engagement event, saying: “This is a great opportunity for residents to come together and learn more about the ongoing regeneration projects that will improve the town for everyone.”

The PTI project will also improve car parking provision and local bus access at Haverfordwest railway station, contributing to a more efficient and sustainable transport network for the town.

Jason Taylor, Regional Director at Kier Construction, said: “We are excited to meet the people of Haverfordwest and share the plans for this important project. Kier is proud of its Welsh heritage and thrilled to contribute to the town’s development.”

Kier Construction, which has been awarded the contract to build the PTI, will also have a presence at Riverside Shopping Centre, where residents can drop in for more information once work begins this month.

Please note that the temporary Riverside car park has closed to make way for the development.

News

Police ask for witnesses after single vehicle collision on A477

Published

4 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A SINGLE-VEHICLE road traffic collision occurred on the A477 between Redberth and Broadmoor, Pembrokeshire, early this morning (Thursday, Nov 21).

Dyfed-Powys Police were called to the scene at around 7:10am. One person was taken to hospital with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.

The road was closed while emergency services attended, and the vehicle was recovered. It reopened at approximately 9:20am.

Police are appealing for anyone with information, dash cam, or CCTV footage to come forward.