Crime

Two foreign nationals jailed for role in Neyland cannabis operation

Published

2 years ago

January 12, 2024

ALBANIANS Gentian Zhupa, 35, and Ergest Mucopata, 42, were sentenced to 12 months in prison at Swansea Crown Court this week – for their involvement in a sophisticated cannabis farm in Neyland.

The defendants, found with no fixed abode in the UK, were apprehended during a Dyfed-Powys Police raid on Honeyborough Industrial Estate.

The court heard that police executed a raid on Friday, November 18, at what was believed to be an unoccupied unit on Honeyborough Industrial Estate. The former Western Thermal Limited building at 48 Honeyborough Industrial Estate, Neyland, near Milford Haven, concealed a large-scale cannabis factory, catching both locals and authorities by surprise.

Prosecutor Craig Jones revealed the discovery of 814 cannabis plants in the facility, with a potential street value ranging from £88,000 to £350,000. The operation, described as “sophisticated,” included grow areas, lighting, watering facilities, and basic living accommodations, with evidence of electricity being bypassed.

Representing Zhupa, Dan Griffiths outlined his client’s ordeal, stating he was trafficked into the UK and coerced into working at the cannabis farm to repay a “substantial debt” to a criminal gang. Zhupa, who had been at the property for ten days, expressed a desire to return to his family in Albania.

Ian Ibrahim, representing Mucopata, shared a similar narrative of debt and desperation. Mucopata, in the UK for approximately two weeks, was initially promised agricultural work on a cattle farm to offset his transportation debt. However, he was quickly relocated to the cannabis farm, lacking English proficiency and unaware of his exact location.

Judge Huw Rees, acknowledging the men’s circumstances, still underscored the necessity of the prison sentence, citing the benefit to the British taxpayer of a reduced custody period. He remarked, “The shorter the time you are in custody in this country, the better for the British taxpayer.”

Both men had pleaded not guilty to a charge of abstracting electricity, which was accepted by the prosecution, resulting in not guilty verdicts on those counts.

Last year, a source close to the industrial estate reported recurring power blackouts and electric issues in the vicinity of the unit over some time. Additionally, residents noticed peculiar odors, including a described ‘sulphurous smell,’ emanating from the area.

The electricity board said that up to 300amps of power may have been used by those growing the cannabis.

Crime

Man bailed after serious assault in Fishguard town centre

Published

13 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault in Fishguard that has left a man in hospital.

The incident happened on Main Street at around 11:00pm on Saturday (Mar 21), when the victim was reportedly punched, sustaining head injuries. He remains in hospital receiving treatment.

A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm (GBH) and has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Dyfed-Powys Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have information that could assist the investigation, to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police quoting reference: 26*227686.

Information can be provided online via the Dyfed-Powys Police website, by emailing [email protected], by calling 101, or by sending a direct message on social media.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

Crime

Police seize off-road bike after anti-social driving complaints in Hakin

Published

14 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

OFFICERS from Milford Haven and Neyland Police have seized an off-road bike following multiple reports of reckless and anti-social driving in the Hakin area.

Members of the public raised concerns about the manner in which the bike was being ridden, prompting police action. The vehicle was seized yesterday (Tuesday) as part of efforts to address ongoing issues linked to illegal off-road biking.

Police have reminded residents that such bikes are not road legal and must only be used on private land with the landowner’s permission.

Officers are urging the public to continue reporting incidents and sharing information to help tackle the problem in local communities.

Anyone with information can contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, via email at [email protected], or by calling 101.

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.

Crime

Milford roofer fined after abusive call to rival firm

Published

17 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Sarah-Jane Absalom

56-year-old admitted making threats and using offensive language in business dispute

A MILFORD HAVEN roofer has been fined after making an abusive and threatening phone call to a rival company.

Haverfordwest magistrates heard that on Sunday (Feb 2), John Fitzgerald, 56, made a single phone call to a competing roofing business.

“During the course of the phone call, threats were made to the other company’s boss,” said Crown Prosecutor Nia James.

“The reason for the threats was that the defendant believes this other company is taking business away from him. The lady who took the call felt alarmed and distressed as he used foul language towards her.”

The court heard the victim contacted police following the incident but chose not to provide a victim impact statement and did not seek a restraining order.

“When he was spoken to by officers he said he’d been a d***,” added Nia James.

“He said he’d had a couple of beers and was getting wound up, as he was fed up with them nicking his work. But it was just one phone call.”

Representing Fitzgerald, Fenn Richards said he accepted his wrongdoing.

“He accepts wrongdoing as he’d had a few too many drinks, he made the phone call, and people were winding him up,” she said.

“The defendant has been in the roofing trade since he was 14, and he believed this person had set up a new business and was taking business away from him. But he didn’t mean any harm by it.”

Fitzgerald, of Elm Lane, Milford Haven, was fined £80 and ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £32 surcharge.