News

Taxi driver convicted of drug trafficking cocaine to Milford Haven

Published

8 months ago

July 15, 2024

A TAXI driver who denied any involvement with his passenger being caught with a block of cocaine worth more than £85,000 has been found guilty.

Pajtim Metaj and Albert Nikolla faced charges of trafficking cocaine between Northampton and Milford Haven. Nikolla, 26, of Plough Way in London, had previously admitted possession with intent to supply cocaine and being concerned in the supply of cocaine. On the day of the trial, he also admitted to a separate offence of cocaine possession in London on 9 June last year.

Metaj, of Ruskin Road in Northampton, denied charges of trafficking cocaine, possession of cocaine, and being concerned in the supply of cocaine. However, after two days of evidence, the jury returned a guilty verdict within just 50 minutes, finding Metaj guilty of possession with intent to supply and being concerned in the supply of cocaine.

Metaj, 26, was remanded into custody and will be sentenced alongside Nikolla on 29 July.

During the trial, the jury heard that Metaj’s vehicle was stopped on 18 January near the Cleddau Bridge during routine traffic checks by Dyfed-Powys Police. When Metaj pulled over, Nikolla bolted from the back seat and attempted to discard a one-kilogram block of cocaine, which prosecutor Caitlin Brazel stated had a street value “in excess of £85,000”.

Metaj initially claimed to officers that he was a taxi driver who did not know his co-defendant and had never been to Pembrokeshire before. “This was a blatant lie,” Ms Brazel said. “He knew exactly what Albert Nikolla was caught throwing out of his car, and he was doing everything in his power to distance himself. If he was simply just a taxi driver with no involvement at all, why lie?”

ANPR cameras showed Metaj’s car had made “nine separate trips” from Northampton to Milford Haven between November 2023 and January 2024. CCTV footage also showed him with Nikolla on these trips. When confronted with this evidence, Metaj admitted to driving Nikolla on each occasion and confessed to lying initially because he was scared of a long prison sentence.

Further searches of Metaj’s house revealed three iPhones, clear snap bags, and £1,880 in cash hidden behind his boiler. The jury was also informed that Metaj had searched on his phone whether fingerprints last on plastic bags two weeks before his arrest.

Llewellyn Culver-Evans, defending, noted that Metaj had never been in trouble with the police before. “He panics because he’s just been told that the passenger in the back of his car has been caught carrying a kilo of cocaine,” he said.

Community

St Davids Cathedral strengthens spiritual ties with St Patrick’s Cathedral in Armagh

Published

8 hours ago

March 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE DEEP spiritual connection between Wales and Ireland was celebrated this St Patrick’s Day as Dean Sarah Rowland Jones of St Davids Cathedral presented prints of the icons of St David and St Patrick to Dean Shane Forster of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh (Anglican, Church of Ireland).

The presentation took place after Dean Sarah delivered a sermon at the St Patrick’s Day service in Armagh, where she spoke about the shared Christian heritage of the two patron saints and their enduring influence on the faith communities of both nations.

A legacy of faith and unity

St David and St Patrick, both pivotal figures in the early Christian church, played key roles in spreading the Gospel and establishing monastic traditions. Their legacies have continued to shape the spiritual landscapes of Wales and Ireland for centuries.

Dean Sarah reflected on these historical connections during her sermon, highlighting the common themes of faith, devotion, and service that unite the two saints. She also shared the last recorded words of St David with the congregation:

“Be joyful, keep the faith, and do the little things.”
“Byddwch lawen, cadwch y ffydd, a gwnewch y pethau bychain!”

These words, spoken by St David in the 6th century, remain central to the ethos of Welsh Christianity, encouraging believers to find meaning in small acts of kindness and faithfulness.

A symbolic exchange

The exchange of icon prints between the two cathedrals served as a symbol of ongoing friendship and unity between the Welsh and Irish Anglican communities. Both cathedrals hold significant historical and religious importance, drawing thousands of pilgrims each year who seek to connect with their deep Christian heritage.

Speaking about the event, Dean Sarah said: “The ties between St Davids and Armagh are more than just historical—they are deeply spiritual. We are reminded that the Christian faith transcends borders, uniting us through shared traditions, values, and a commitment to serving others.”

The service in Armagh marked yet another step in fostering a strong relationship between the two cathedrals, reinforcing the historic and spiritual bonds between Wales and Ireland.

News

Police confirm tragic death of teenage girl in Burton

Published

9 hours ago

March 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

EMERGENCY services responded to a medical emergency at a property in Burton on Saturday (Mar 15).

Dyfed-Powys Police say they received a call reporting the incident at around 4:30pm.

Tragically, a 15-year-old girl has passed away, it has been confirmed.

Her next of kin have been informed and are being supported by a family liaison officer.

Police have confirmed that the death is not being treated as suspicious, and a report will be prepared for H.M. Coroner.

News

Three injured in A477 crash near Cleddau Bridge

Published

15 hours ago

March 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THREE people were taken to hospital following a collision on the A477 near Cleddau Bridge on Monday (Mar 17).

The crash, which involved three vehicles, happened shortly before 9:00am between Cleddau Bridge and Honeyborough roundabout. Emergency services attended the scene, and both lanes of the road were closed for nearly two hours.

One lane reopened at 10:45am, with the road fully cleared by 10:55am.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Police attended a three-vehicle road traffic collision which occurred on the A477 just before 9:00am. Three people were taken to hospital with what are believed to be minor injuries.”