News

Gang used drug profits to purchase Banksy artwork worth £190,000

Published

1 year ago

October 11, 2024

A GANG including both men and a woman, from Ebbw Vale, have been sentenced for their part in the importation, production, and supply of cannabis.

The investigation uncovered that the group’s drug network extended across all parts of Wales, including Pembrokeshire, with proceeds from their operations funding an extravagant lifestyle.

The moment police busted the gang (Video: Gwent police)

They used drug money to purchase art by renowned street artist Banksy. Among the seized artworks are Banksy’s Grappling Hook, Monkey Queen portrait, and The Watchtower Swing portrait, valued at over £190,000. The collection will be part of a Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) process in the coming months.

***Bought with drug money: Banky’s Monkey Queen***

It is believed they used the funds from their drug sales to buy a range of art, including the work of renowned street artist Banksy. The artwork is due to be part of a proceeds of crime act process in the coming months but could be worth more than £190,000. The art seized includes Banksy’s Grappling Hook, Monkey Queen portrait and The Watchtower Swing portrait.

In addition to artwork, the group also purchased designer items, a caravan, quad bikes, and jet skis with an estimated value of £48,400. Across the three years, 12 warrants were carried out across Ebbw Vale and cash, cannabis, mobile phones, and art were seized.

On Friday (Oct 11):

Christopher Scrivens, 37, has been sentenced to three years imprisonment for the importation of a class B drug – cannabis and conspiracy to supply a class B drug – cannabis
a 33-year-old man has been given a two-year community order with a rehabilitation activity and to complete unpaid work for being concerned in the production of a class B drug – cannabis and conspiracy to supply a class B drug – cannabis
a 39-year-old man has been given a 12-month community order with a rehabilitation activity and unpaid work for being concerned in the production of a class B drug – cannabis and conspiracy to supply a class B drug – cannabis
a 33-year-old man has been given an 18-month community order with a rehabilitation activity and unpaid work for conspiring to supply a class B drug – cannabis and possessing criminal property
a 39-year-old man has been given a 12-month community order with a rehabilitation activity and unpaid work for conspiring to supply a class B drug – cannabis
a 41-year-old woman has been given a 12-month community order with a rehabilitation activity and to complete unpaid work for possessing criminal property.

Detective Chief Inspector Mike Preston said: “This is a particularly complex case, where the defendants have attempted to hide the proceeds of their crimes in extravagant items of clothing, vehicles, and artwork.

“I’d like to thank all the officers and staff within Gwent Police for their hard work to bring these defendants before the courts and ensure thousands of pounds of criminal assets have been seized.

“Taking away the assets that criminals have purchased through crime, sends the message that crime does not pay.

“Drug dealers cause misery to our communities; they have no consideration for the distress and fear they cause, and we will continue to target anyone intent on causing our neighbourhoods harm.

“In the past few months, we’ve seen several arrests and charges for serious and organised crime thanks to the reports and information from the public. You play a vital role in helping us tackle drug dealing, I would urge anyone with any concerns or information about drug use or supply in your community to get in contact.”.

Crime

Neighbourhood policing boosted across Dyfed-Powys

Published

1 hour ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS POLICE has announced a significant expansion of its Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Teams (NPPT), with more officers being deployed to frontline roles where demand is greatest.

From Monday (Mar 16), teams across the force area have been strengthened, with a renewed focus on tackling antisocial behaviour and preventing crime at its source.

The force says the move is aimed at reducing repeat demand by addressing the root causes of offending, rather than simply responding to incidents.

To achieve this, a number of officers have been redeployed from central departments back into frontline policing, while new posts are also being created to bolster capacity.

Temporary Chief Superintendent Steve Davies, head of uniform policing, said: “These changes are about increasing frontline visibility and ensuring we have the right resources in the right places.

“They form part of a wider programme of improvements across the force to enhance effectiveness and efficiency, while also supporting the wellbeing of our officers and staff.

“This is positive news for our communities, who will benefit from stronger neighbourhood teams focused on local priorities and proactive policing.”

The expansion has been made possible through Home Office funding under the Neighbourhood Guarantee scheme, which is designed to strengthen community safety and crime prevention.

Dyfed-Powys Police has been allocated £1.4 million for 2025/26, enabling the recruitment of police staff and freeing up officers previously in support roles to return to operational duties.

As a result, four sergeants and 29 police officers have now been reassigned to neighbourhood teams across the force.

Each NPPT area will also have a named officer, with full team details available via the ‘Your Area’ section of the Dyfed-Powys Police website.

The force has also secured early access to 2026/27 Neighbourhood Guarantee funding, which will see a further 12 officers recruited between April and the autumn—adding to overall officer numbers in the region.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said: “Neighbourhood policing is about more than numbers—it’s about relationships.

“Greater visibility helps build trust, strengthens community ties, and reassures the public that policing is present, responsive, and committed to keeping people safe.

“I remain committed to improving police visibility across our communities, and these additional officers will help turn that ambition into reality.”

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

1 hour ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.