Crime

How Dyfed-Powys Police cracks down on the drug gangs exploiting West Wales

Published

1 year ago

September 2, 2024

THIS week, Dyfed-Powys Police have been actively highlighting the issue of County Lines on their social media channels and website, emphasising the ongoing efforts to combat this dangerous form of criminal exploitation.

As part of this awareness campaign, we are delving deeper into what County Lines is and its impact on communities in West Wales.

In recent weeks, a significant development occurred in Aberystwyth, where a sophisticated organised crime gang was dismantled. This gang was responsible for trafficking large quantities of cocaine and cannabis into the region. The group, which operated across various locations, was part of a larger network that used County Lines methods to distribute drugs throughout rural areas, including smaller towns like Aberystwyth. The operation culminated in the arrest and conviction of several gang members, shedding light on the extent of County Lines activity even in these relatively remote areas.

Chief Superintendent Shane Williams said: “Our number one priority is to protect vulnerable people, and this includes children, who can be as young as 12 years old, and the vulnerable adults who are ruthlessly exploited by urban gangs to do their dirty work.

“Ultimately our aim is to make the Dyfed-Powys area a hostile environment for organised crime groups, preventing all forms of harm associated with these gangs.

“Any child or vulnerable adult can be affected and it’s important to recognise that it can still be exploitation, even if the activity appears consensual.

“Our aim is to shine a light on this exploitation, and by working together with a wide range of partner agencies including local authorities, third sector agencies, housing associations, train and coach operators, identify abuse sooner so that we can intervene and keep vulnerable people safe.”

Meanwhile, Dafydd Llywelyn, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed-Powys, has consistently emphasised the importance of community resilience in tackling county lines drug operations. He has advocated for the establishment of youth clubs and early intervention programs as essential strategies to prevent young people from being drawn into these gangs.

He also highlights the adaptability of these crime groups, which poses a significant challenge for law enforcement, making community-led efforts even more critical in disrupting their activities

***Children are often exploited according to CASCADE***

County Lines is a term used to describe the practice of transporting illegal drugs from urban centers to smaller towns and rural areas. Organised criminal groups (OCGs) exploit vulnerable individuals, including children and those with mental health or addiction issues, to carry out their operations. These individuals are often coerced into becoming drug runners or are forced to allow their homes to be used as bases for drug distribution—a practice known as “cuckooing.” The sophisticated methods employed by these gangs, including the use of violence and intimidation, ensure that their operations remain hidden from law enforcement for as long as possible.

In recent years police operations locally have demonstrated the seriousness of the County Lines threat. For example, during a “County Lines Intensification Week” in 2021, Dyfed-Powys Police executed several raids, leading to the seizure of substantial quantities of heroin and cocaine, valued at over £137,000. These efforts resulted in multiple arrests and the confiscation of weapons, underscoring the significant danger these networks pose to the community.

***There are vast County Lines networks in the UK including into West Wales***. **Not all are shown here**

Research conducted by Cardiff University’s CASCADE (Children’s Social Care Research and Development Centre) highlights the importance of a coordinated community response to tackle County Lines effectively. The research emphasises that collaboration between schools, social services, healthcare providers, and law enforcement is essential in identifying and protecting vulnerable individuals. The study also points to the increasing role of social media in County Lines operations, where OCGs use platforms like Instagram and Snapchat to groom and recruit young people into their criminal activities.

The CASCADE report also discusses how County Lines operations have evolved in response to increased law enforcement pressure. Gangs have become more sophisticated in their methods, using burner phones, exploiting social media, and even grooming children from more affluent backgrounds to evade detection. The report underscores the need for a nuanced approach to tackling these networks, one that involves not just police action but also preventative measures aimed at educating and protecting vulnerable populations.

***Police make drugs-related arrest in Milford Haven (Image: Herald)***

One of the most troubling aspects of County Lines is the exploitation of children and vulnerable adults. Gangs often lure these individuals with promises of money or gifts, only to trap them in a cycle of debt and fear. The use of “cuckooing” allows gangs to maintain a low profile while conducting their operations, often leaving their victims isolated and terrified. In some cases, victims are subjected to extreme violence to ensure their continued compliance.

Dyfed-Powys Police have been working to raise awareness of these issues among the public, encouraging residents to report any suspicious activities. The community’s role in identifying and reporting County Lines activities is crucial to the success of these efforts. By working together, law enforcement and the community can disrupt these networks and protect those who are most vulnerable to exploitation.

What to Do If You Have Concerns

Dyfed-Powys Police encourage residents to trust their instincts when it comes to suspected drug-related activities. Even if someone is not directly involved in County Lines, they may still be a victim of exploitation. The police urge community members to report any suspicious activities through several available channels:

Online: Reports can be made using the Dyfed-Powys Police Reporting Tool.
Email: Concerns can be sent to [email protected].
Phone: Call 101 to report non-urgent matters.
Social Media: Direct messages can be sent to Dyfed-Powys Police on their social media platforms.
Crimestoppers: Reports can also be made anonymously to Crimestoppers at 0800 555111 or via their website Crimestoppers-UK.org.

The fight against County Lines in West Wales is ongoing, and it requires the collective efforts of law enforcement, social services, healthcare providers, community organisations, and residents. Public awareness and engagement are vital in ensuring that Pembrokeshire and surrounding areas remain safe from the harmful influence of County Lines gangs.

Police information page

Crime

Police assess complaints over Mandelson–Epstein links

Published

10 hours ago

February 2, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Met says allegations will be reviewed to see if criminal threshold is met following release of US court files

SCOTLAND YARD is reviewing a series of complaints alleging possible misconduct in public office after fresh claims emerged linking former UK ambassador Peter Mandelson to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The Metropolitan Police Service confirmed it has received “a number of reports” following the publication of millions of pages of material by the United States Department of Justice, and will now decide whether any alleged conduct reaches the level required for a criminal investigation.

Commander Ella Marriott said the force would assess each report individually, stressing that a review does not automatically lead to formal proceedings.

The documents, widely referred to as the “Epstein files”, appear to show Mandelson corresponding with Epstein while serving as business secretary during the government of Gordon Brown at the height of the global financial crisis.

According to reports, Epstein was allegedly given insight into internal policy discussions, including proposals around banker bonus taxes in 2009 and details of a eurozone bailout package shortly before it was announced publicly.

Payments questioned

Bank records cited in the US disclosure reportedly show payments totalling 75,000 US dollars made to Mandelson between 2003 and 2004. It is also claimed Epstein paid for an osteopathy course for Mandelson’s husband.

Mandelson has denied any wrongdoing and said he has “no record or recollection” of the alleged transfers.

On Sunday he resigned his membership of the Labour Party, saying he did not want his continued association to cause further difficulty for the party.

In interviews, he dismissed suggestions that Epstein influenced his decisions as a minister and said nothing in the released files pointed to criminality or misconduct on his part.

Pressure mounts

The political fallout has intensified, with Downing Street confirming Keir Starmer has asked Cabinet Secretary Chris Wormald to carry out an urgent review into Mandelson’s historic contacts with Epstein while in office.

Brown has also called for an examination of whether any confidential or market-sensitive information was improperly shared during the financial crisis.

The case is the latest in a series of controversies linked to Epstein’s long-standing relationships with powerful figures on both sides of the Atlantic.

Police emphasised that no charges have been brought and that Mandelson is not currently under criminal investigation, but said the complaints process would be handled “thoroughly and impartially”.

Community

Councillor meets chief constable to address Monkton and Pembroke concerns

Published

11 hours ago

February 2, 2026

Tom Sinclair

COUNTY COUNCILLOR Jonathan Grimes has met with the new Chief Constable of Dyfed-Powys Police to discuss crime, antisocial behaviour and wider community issues affecting residents in Pembroke and Monkton.

Cllr Grimes, who represents Pembroke St Mary South and Monkton, said the meeting followed his invitation for senior police leaders to visit the area and hear first-hand about local concerns.

The Chief Constable, Ifan Charles, attended alongside officers from the Pembroke Neighbourhood Policing and Protection Team, meeting the councillor in Monkton for what were described as open and constructive talks.

As part of the visit, they also spoke with Monkton Priory Community Primary School headteacher Dylan Lawrence and Danny Nash from Pembrokeshire County Council Housing Services to gather views from education and housing professionals.

Discussions covered a range of issues raised by residents, including domestic abuse, drug and alcohol misuse, antisocial behaviour and environmental concerns such as littering, dog fouling and dangerous or inconsiderate driving.

Cllr Grimes acknowledged recent police successes, particularly in tackling drug-related activity, but said enforcement alone would not solve the area’s challenges.

He said closer cooperation between the police, council services, schools and the wider community would be needed to deliver longer-term improvements.

The councillor added that he plans to encourage residents to form a local community group in the coming weeks, aimed at developing practical solutions and strengthening partnership working across the area.

Crime

Man guilty of threatening to kill Herald editor

Published

11 hours ago

February 2, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

13-minute abuse call followed Facebook contact – defendant warned over behaviour in court

A PEMBROKE man has been found guilty of threatening to kill the editor of the Pembrokeshire Herald during a prolonged and abusive phone call, and of a racially aggravated public order offence committed when police arrested him.

Anthony Jones, 34, of Castle Quarry, Long Mains, Monkton, was convicted of both charges following a trial at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Feb 2).

Magistrates heard the threats followed publication of an online Herald article about fly grazing and loose horses on roads in the Monkton area of Pembroke — a story raised with the newspaper by local county councillor Jonathan Grimes.

Facebook approach before call

Editor Tom Sinclair told the court he was first contacted via Facebook Messenger by a profile operating under the name “Excellence Cleaning”.

The account claimed to have information about the horses’ ownership and repeatedly asked for a direct phone number.

Mr Sinclair said he initially offered the office landline but was pressed for his mobile number instead.

Within minutes of providing it, he received a call from a withheld number at around 5:52pm.

Police later traced that number to Jones.

“On a different level”

Mr Sinclair told the court the call lasted around 13 minutes and consisted of sustained verbal abuse and threats.

He said the caller repeatedly swore at him, demanded that the Facebook article be removed, and made threats of death towards him. The caller also mentioned Cllr Grimes and threatened him as well.

Giving evidence, Mr Sinclair said: “I often receive complaints and quite aggressive calls as part of the job, but this was on a different level.”

He said he believed the threats were genuine and intended to intimidate.

After the call ended, he consulted colleague Bruce Sinclair and Cllr Grimes before contacting police.

Screenshots of the Facebook messages and the mobile phone call log were later provided to officers as evidence.

Sinclair said in evidence that he sat in his car, parked outside his house for several hours that night, keeping watch to protect his family.

“I did not take the decision to give evidence today lightly, it is because I believe that it is important that the news can be printed without fear or favour, and that journalists should not have to be bullied or threatened for just doing their jobs.”

Courtroom outburst

Jones did not give evidence in his own defence.

His solicitor told the court he accepted making the call but denied that the contents were threatening.

While Mr Sinclair was giving evidence, Jones shouted from the dock, calling him a liar. Magistrates immediately warned him about his behaviour.

After the guilty verdicts were delivered, the chairman of the bench told Jones he was lucky not to face a separate contempt of court charge because of his conduct during the hearing.

Arrest incident

The court also heard that when officers attended to arrest Jones in connection with the threats, he used threatening and abusive language towards a police officer, PC Stuart Gray.

That offence was found to be racially aggravated and to have caused harassment, alarm and distress.