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Crime

Two men jailed after cannabis farm found in former primary school

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TWO MEN have been sentenced after a routine vehicle interception led police to uncover a large-scale cannabis operation inside a former primary school.

Alfred Perkola, 44, was sentenced to 45 months in prison, while Aldi Gjegjaj, 25, received a 36-month sentence after both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cannabis at Swansea Crown Court on Wednesday (Feb 26).

Vehicles intercepted on M4

The case began on Thursday, July 4, 2024, when officers intercepted two vehicles suspected of involvement in cannabis supply. A Volvo and a hire van were stopped and searched shortly after leaving the M4. Inside, officers discovered nearly 100kg of cannabis, hidden in laundry bags, with an estimated street value of £1 million. Several mobile phones were also seized.

Both Perkola and Gjegjaj were arrested on suspicion of supplying cannabis. However, further investigation revealed a much larger operation.

GPS data leads officers to abandoned school

A tracking device on the hire van allowed police to analyse its movements. They noted that the vehicle had been stationary for an extended period in Marble Terrace, Llandysul, prompting officers to visit the location.

On arrival, police found an apparently deserted building—Hen Ysgol Gynradd, a former primary school. Suspicious features included boarded-up windows, large silver ventilation pipes protruding from the premises, and a strong smell of cannabis.

Sophisticated cannabis farm uncovered

A search of the building uncovered a sophisticated cannabis cultivation setup. Various rooms had been converted into grow spaces, while other areas showed signs of recent harvests. Officers seized 956 cannabis plants, along with living quarters that suggested the site had been occupied.

CCTV footage from the premises showed multiple people, including the arrested men, making repeated visits in the days leading up to their interception. Mobile phone records further linked them to both vehicles.

Police response

Detective Constable Steve Thomas welcomed the sentences, saying: “This is an excellent result, taking two more individuals out of the illegal drugs trade in the Dyfed-Powys area.

“The interception of these vehicles and the subsequent investigation have removed nearly £2 million worth of drugs from the supply chain, preventing them from reaching our streets.

“Drugs have no place in our communities. We are committed to making our force as hostile as possible to drug-related crime and will continue to crack down on supply operations.”

 

Crime

Police standoff ends after four-hour incident in Pembroke Dock

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ELIZABETH COURT SCENE STOOD DOWN AFTER DOMESTIC INCIDENT

A FOUR-HOUR police standoff in Pembroke Dock has ended with a 21-year-old man arrested on suspicion of inflicting grievous bodily harm.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the incident at Elizabeth Court has now been stood down and the scene released.

The man has been taken to hospital to receive medical attention.

Chief Inspector Dominic Jones said: “I want to thank local residents for their patience while we dealt with this incident. I understand that such a large police presence in a residential street is concerning to see, and I’m grateful to everyone who co-operated with our officers at the scene.

“I’d like to offer my reassurance that our units responded to an isolated domestic incident, and there was no further threat posed to the wider community. The scene has now been released, and we will investigate the full circumstances of this morning’s incident.”

Officers were called to the address this morning (Saturday, May 9), with a large police presence remaining in the area for several hours.

Eyewitnesses told The Herald that police were asking a man upstairs to come down, with tasers drawn during the incident.

Police dogs, specialist officers and what appeared to be a negotiator were also seen at the scene.

The incident lasted from around 11:00am until about 3:10pm.

 

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Crime

Teen denies attempted murder of Milford Haven teacher

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TEENAGER REMANDED AHEAD OF JULY TRIAL

A 15-YEAR-old boy has denied attempting to murder a teacher during a stabbing incident at Milford Haven School.

The teenager, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (May 8).

He pleaded not guilty to attempted murder, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and unlawful wounding with a knife.

The charges relate to an incident at Milford Haven School on Thursday, February 5, when emergency services were called after reports that a teacher had been assaulted by a pupil carrying a weapon.

The school was placed into lockdown and pupils were later safely evacuated.

The injured teacher was taken to hospital with stab wounds, but was discharged later the same day.

Police said at the time that specialist officers were supporting the victim and the wider school community.

The teenager was remanded in custody following Friday’s hearing.

A trial is due to begin on July 6.

 

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Crime

Racial abuse suspect barricaded himself inside Johnston lodge

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ARMED police were called to a supported accommodation building in Johnston after a man allegedly barricaded himself inside a room while behaving aggressively and racially abusing staff.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed officers were called to Silverdale Lodge at around 8:55am on Saturday (May 2) following reports of disorder involving a resident.

According to police, the man allegedly acted aggressively towards staff members and made racially abusive comments before barricading himself inside a room at the property.

The force said armed officers were deployed to ensure the safety of staff, other occupants and the man himself.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Dyfed-Powys Police was called to Silverdale Lodge in Johnston at approximately 8.55am on May 2 following a report of a male behaving in an aggressive manner and being racially abusive towards a member of staff.

“Officers attended the scene and the male had barricaded himself in a room.

“In order to ensure the safety of the male, staff members and other occupants of the building, armed officers attended the scene.

“The man was detained and arrested. There were no injuries to members of staff or officers reported. There is currently no ongoing threat to the public.”

Police confirmed Billy Pitman, aged 29, has been charged with racially aggravated public order offences, criminal damage and threats to cause criminal damage in connection with the incident.

Pitman was remanded into custody and appeared before Swansea Magistrates’ Court on Monday (May 4).

We will bring you the court result as we receive it.

 

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