News

Two men admit to operating cannabis edibles factory in Haverfordwest

Published

2 years ago

July 29, 2024

TWO men have admitted to running a commercial-scale production factory for cannabis edibles in Haverfordwest, following a raid by Dyfed-Powys Police in early June.

The raid, conducted over June 5 and 6, led officers to uncover a large-scale operation producing what is believed to be thousands of cannabis edibles. A police spokesperson described the setup as a “commercial scale production factory.”

Kyle Gadsby, 19, and John Miles, 51, were arrested alongside Chay Miles, 27, during the operation. Initially, Gadsby and John Miles pleaded not guilty to charges of possession with intent to supply cannabis on June 5 and an alternative charge of possession of cannabis. They also denied being involved in the supply of cannabis from August 24 of the previous year to June 5 of this year.

In contrast, Chay Miles admitted to both possession with intent to supply cannabis and being involved in its supply.

A trial for John Miles and Gadsby was scheduled to commence on November 27, while Chay Miles was to be sentenced after the trial’s conclusion. However, on July 25, both Gadsby and John Miles returned to Swansea Crown Court, where they each changed their pleas to guilty for the charges of possession with intent to supply cannabis and being concerned in the supply of cannabis.

The three defendants, all residing on Primrose Drive in Haverfordwest, are now set to be sentenced on August 29.

In the wake of the raid, Dyfed-Powys Police issued a warning to parents about the risks posed by drug-laced ‘sweets’, which may appeal to children. A police spokesperson highlighted the dangers, stating, “Between June 5 and 6, it was discovered that the address was being used to produce what is believed to be thousands of cannabis edibles. There are concerns that the edibles are being supplied to young people.”

The spokesperson further cautioned, “We want parents to be aware of cannabis edibles which, although they contain an element of the Class B drug, do not have the smell or appearance of cannabis. They may also contain other illicit substances. Instead, they look and smell like a normal shop-bought food item but can be stronger than other cannabis products. And because of how they are packaged, they can be particularly appealing to young people and teenagers, who may call them ‘gummies’ or ‘bites’.”

The case has drawn significant attention to the issue of cannabis edibles and their potential danger to young people, prompting calls for increased vigilance among parents and authorities.

Officers have said they want parents to be aware of cannabis edibles which, although they contain an element of the Class B drug, they do not have the smell or appearance of cannabis. They may also contain other illicit substances.

Instead, they look and smell like a normal shop-bought food item but can be stronger than other cannabis products.

And because of how they are packaged, they can be particularly appealing to young people and teenagers, who may call them ‘gummies’ or ‘bites’.

The local community can help us by continuing to report any signs of criminal activity – the easiest way to do this is on our website. Any bit of information, no matter how small it may seem, could help make a big difference. You can do so, either by:

| https://orlo.uk/v6hMc

| [email protected]

| Direct message us on social media

| 101

If you have information about drugs or drugs supply and don’t want to speak to police, you can report information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or https://orlo.uk/lXGQb”

News

Reform reveals west Wales candidates for Senedd battle

Published

17 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Monkton councillor tops Pembrokeshire list as party confirms Carmarthenshire names and includes Haverfordwest councillor in unwinnable Swansea spot

REFORM UK has unveiled its full list of candidates for the 2026 Senedd election, setting out its challenge across west Wales including Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.

The party has named Susan Claire Archibald, a sitting councillor for Monkton on Pembroke Town Council, as its lead candidate for the Ceredigion Preseli, Mid and South Pembrokeshire regional list.

Speaking to The Herald, Archibald said: “I am honoured to represent Reform UK and Wales.” She added that a fuller statement outlining her priorities would be released in due course.

The remaining candidates on the Pembrokeshire regional list are Paul Marr, a former prison officer, Michael Allen, Elisa Randall, Peter John and Bernard Holton.

Carmarthenshire candidates named

Reform has also confirmed its list for the Caerfyrddin and Llanelli region, with Gareth Beer placed first, followed by Carmelo Colasanto, Sarah Edwards, Christopher Brooke, Alan Cole and Michelle Beer.

The announcement forms part of a nationwide rollout of candidates as the party seeks to establish itself as a credible electoral force ahead of the 2026 vote.

Thorley listed in Swansea region

Among the names included elsewhere is Scott Thorley, a Haverfordwest-based councillor and the first Reform representative elected to Pembrokeshire County Council.

Thorley appears on the party’s list for the Gower and Swansea West region, where he is placed sixth.

Under the Senedd’s proportional representation system, candidates placed lower on regional lists are significantly less likely to be elected, meaning his position is widely viewed as a paper candidacy to complete the slate.

Election framing

Reform Wales leader Dan Thomas said the party was offering voters a stark political choice.

He said: “After a hundred years of failure, Labour are finished in Wales. The choice at this election is what comes next — common sense and a fresh start with Reform, or independence by stealth with Plaid Cymru.”

The Herald understands that further announcements, including candidate profiles and policy details, are expected in the coming weeks as the campaign begins to take shape.

Crime

Man bailed after serious assault in Fishguard town centre

Published

18 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.

News

Childcare funding boost announced in Wales

Published

19 hours ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Hourly rate to rise as costs increase

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has confirmed an increase in the hourly rate paid to childcare providers under its Childcare Offer, following a review of funding levels.

The Minister for Children and Social Care, DAWN BOWDEN MS, announced that the rate will rise to £6.67 per hour from April 6, 2026. The increase of 4.18% comes after feedback from childcare providers and sector data gathered during 2025.

The Welsh Government said the change is designed to help providers cope with rising costs, including increases to the National Living Wage.

The Herald understands the review drew on responses from the Childcare Offer’s Annual Survey, as well as information from Care Inspectorate Wales’ Self-Assessment of Service Statement (SASS).

The move follows a policy shift announced last year to review the rate annually, rather than every three years, in a bid to make funding more responsive to pressures facing the sector.

As part of the update, the maximum charge for meals will also increase by 4.18%, which ministers say is intended to balance affordability for both providers and parents.

Dawn Boden said the Welsh Government remains committed to supporting the long-term sustainability of childcare services, adding that officials will continue working with the sector to explore further improvements.