News
Milford cannabis farm ‘made millions’ for Vietnamese growers


Stock image: Similar set up to the Milford house
VIETNAMESE cannabis growers made a million pounds out of one small house in Milford Haven before police closed down the operation, a judge heard today.
They got away with at least three crops and there were still more than 430 plants growing towards maturity when police broke in.
Ho Hoang, aged 29, admitted cultivating cannabis but told police he had been only a gardener making money to send to his family in Vietnam.
Hoang, an illegal immigrant, was jailed for three years and told by Judge Huw Davies he would be deported after serving his sentence.
Swansea crown court heard how the letting agents for the house in Robert Street became suspicious and contacted the police. Officers could smell cannabis as soon as they pushed open the letterbox.
Craig Jones, prosecuting, said officers discovered a sophisticated cannabis growing operation which included powerful overhead lamps, fans and an air filtration system.
The 430 plants could have produced 36 kilos of cannabis with a street value of £360,000.
Hoang, the only occupant, was arrested and told police he had seen at least three crops harvested.
He said he had travelled from Vietnam via various countries, even though he did not have a passport, and arrived in the Uk in 2009. At first he was employed as a nail technician but work dried up and he gave into temptation when a fellow countryman asked him to look after cannabis plants in return for between £600 and £900 a month.
Judge Davies said each crop would have produced hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of cannabis and serious offending at that level could be met only by a substantial prison sentence.
He warned Hoang not to expect to be released after serving half the sentence as he would be kept in custody while the authorities arranged his deportation to Vietnam.
Crime
Haverfordwest man sentenced for offensive online messages

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been handed a community order after admitting to sending offensive messages via social media.
Steven Butler, aged 39, of Douglas James Way, Haverfordwest, pleaded guilty at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court to a charge under the Communications Act 2003.
The court was told that between October 23 and October 29, 2024, Butler sent a series of grossly offensive and menacing messages intended to cause distress to the recipient, a female we have chosen not to name
He was sentenced to a 17-month community order, including 25 rehabilitation activity days and 200 hours of unpaid work to be completed within 12 months.
A restraining order was also imposed, prohibiting Butler from contacting the woman or referring to her online, except via legal representation in relation to any proceedings.
The restraining order remains in force until November 14, 2026.
He was also ordered to pay £85 in prosecution costs and a £114 victim surcharge.
Crime
Teenager faces Crown Court trial for knife threat in private home

A TEENAGER from Haverfordwest is facing trial at Swansea Crown Court after being accused of threatening a man with a kitchen knife in a private property.
KIAN KELLY, aged 20, of Milford Road, Haverfordwest, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court charged with threatening a person with a bladed article in a private place.
The court heard that on March 8, 2025, Kelly allegedly threatened Benjamin Kelly with a kitchen knife at 22A Hill Street, Haverfordwest, in a way that posed an immediate risk of serious physical harm.
He also faces a separate charge of possessing a bladed article in a public place without good reason, and another charge of criminal damage to household items belonging to Margaret Kelly.
He pleaded not guilty to the knife charges and guilty to the criminal damage offence during a previous hearing on April 11.
Kelly was remanded on conditional bail with strict terms, including a nightly electronically monitored curfew from 8:00pm to 8:00am, and a prohibition from entering Hill Street or contacting any prosecution witnesses.
He is next due to appear at Swansea Crown Court for trial on September 18, 2025.
Entertainment
Musicians unite for climate concert in Cardigan

TWO local musicians are joining forces to raise awareness of the climate and nature crisis through a special concert at Cardigan Guildhall on Saturday, May 31.
The event, titled Singing for Life, will begin at 7:00pm and will feature original compositions by singer-songwriter and classical pianist Rosalind Powell, alongside music from Matthew Douglas, who performs under the name Drift.
Powell, well-known in the area for her piano recitals and songwriting, said she felt a strong desire to do something meaningful in response to environmental concerns. “Music can bring people together in powerful ways,” she said. “This event is about raising our voices — quite literally — for a cause that affects us all.”
Douglas, who shares Powell’s passion for protecting the natural world, was quick to support the idea. His performances under the moniker Drift combine reflective lyrics with a contemporary sound, offering a contrast to Powell’s classical influences.
The evening is being held in aid of Cardigan Extinction Rebellion (XR), with all proceeds going to support their local campaigning work. Tickets will be available on the door, with a suggested donation of £8. Refreshments will be served during the interval between the two acts.
Organisers say everyone is welcome, regardless of political affiliation. “This is about raising awareness, sharing music, and connecting with one another,” Powell added.
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Ann
August 19, 2014 at 2:16 pm
Why not deport him straight away why should tax payers have to pay to keep the scroat locked up here