A KEY figure in a major drug-dealing operation that stretched across Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, and Swansea has been captured and is now behind bars after 16 months on the run. Lynne Leyson, 51, was arrested on Sunday evening and appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday, where she was committed to prison to begin her nine-year sentence.

Leyson, alongside her husband Stephen and son Samson, ran a lucrative cocaine and cannabis network from their smallholding in Capel Dewi, near Carmarthen. Despite being convicted for her role in the operation, she went on the run in July 2023, skipping bail just before sentencing. Her husband and son were jailed in her absence.

The family’s criminal enterprise was exposed after a significant police operation, codenamed Operation Hilston, led to the discovery of large quantities of drugs and weapons at their property. Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police raided the compound in October 2021, seizing more than half a kilo of cocaine, 1.4kg of cannabis, and £17,000 in cash. The haul also included a semi-automatic pistol—the first of its kind ever seized by Dyfed-Powys Police.

The police operation linked the Leyson family’s drug distribution network to dealers operating in Pembrokeshire. One individual, going by the nickname Mr Pickles, was identified as a key player selling drugs for the family.

At trial, all three members of the Leyson family were convicted of conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs. Stephen Leyson, 55, was additionally convicted of possession of a firearm. In July, he was sentenced to 11 years in prison, while 22-year-old Samson Leyson was sentenced to six years. In September, Lynne Leyson was sentenced to nine years in her absence, with Judge Catherine Richards describing her as the “dominant force” in the drug enterprise.

Judge Richards noted that Lynne Leyson had played a leading role in directing the drug conspiracy from the farm, using her influence to control others involved in the operation.

Since going on the run, Leyson had travelled extensively across the UK, eluding police for more than a year. However, her return to the Dyfed-Powys Police area on Sunday led to her arrest. A 26-year-old woman was also arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender but has since been released on bail pending further inquiries.

Detective Chief Inspector Rhys Jones, who led the investigation, expressed his gratitude to the public for their assistance in locating Leyson. “This arrest shows our determination to find those who think they can evade justice. I would like to thank the public for their assistance and the officers for their dedication and persistence,” he said.

The Leyson family’s downfall marks the conclusion of a long-running investigation and a significant blow to organised crime in West Wales.

The police said that their operation has sent a clear message that drug-related crime in the Dyfed-Powys area will not be tolerated.

A 46-YEAR-OLD man from Pembrokeshire will appear in Haverfordwest Magistrates’ court today facing multiple sexual offence charges, including rape, as the result of an incident alleged to have occurred in Narberth in 2022.

It is alleged that Richard Murray, recently of Hill Street, Haverfordwest, penetrated the mouth of a woman with his penis without her consent and without any reasonable belief that she was consenting.

In addition to the rape charge, Murray faces two further charges of a sexual nature.

The second charge alleges sexual assault on a female over the age of 16.

The prosecution claims that Murray intentionally touched the woman in a sexual manner without her consent and without reasonably believing that she was consenting.

The third charge involves an attempted sexual offence.

It is alleged that Murray attempted to cause a female to engage in a sexual activity without penetration, specifically by trying to make her place her hand on his penis.

Murray is expected to be present in the court for this initial hearing, it is likely that the case would be, due to its nature, adjourned to Swansea Crown Court.

POLICE are investigating an incident which occurred at about 1.05am, Sunday, September 1.

A 23-year-old man was taken to hospital with head injuries following the incident on Castle Square, Haverfordwest.

A 21-year old man was arrested on suspicion of assault and later released on condition bail pending further police enquiries.

Anyone with information that could help officers with their investigation is asked to report it to Dyfed-Powys Police, either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.

Quote reference: 36 of the 1st.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.