Crime

Cocaine deaths spark regional summit across West Wales

Published

43 seconds ago

May 20, 2026

Health, police and support services unite after rising concerns in Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire

COCAINE has been identified in a significant number of drug-related deaths across Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire over the past year.

Frontline teams have also reported rising incidents of violence, aggression and criminal justice involvement among people accessing drug and alcohol support services.

Dyfed-Powys Police data shows cocaine is now the force’s second most seized drug, and remains widely used across a range of settings.

In response, the Dyfed Area Planning Board brought together representatives from health, policing, commissioned services, social services and community organisations for a regional summit aimed at understanding the scale of the problem and agreeing joint action.

Hywel Dda’s Community Drug and Alcohol Team opened the event with an overview of emerging substance use trends. Dyfed-Powys Police then shared enforcement intelligence, while Public Health Wales provided a national perspective on stimulant use.

Clinical specialists also outlined the impact of cocaine use on maternity services, blood-borne virus transmission, exercise culture and the night-time economy.

The summit concluded with harm reduction training and group discussions focused on strengthening prevention, treatment pathways and community support across West Wales.

Steve Reynolds, Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service manager, said: “DDAS are incredibly encouraged by the success of this cocaine summit. Cocaine-related harms are complex and evolving, and through collaboration and open dialogue we can respond effectively.

“The summit reinforced the importance of reducing stigma, expanding access to support, and ensuring that people who use our services receive compassionate, person-centred care.

“We remain committed to working with partners in developing practical actions that improve outcomes for individuals, families and communities.”

Detective Superintendent Gareth Roberts, of Dyfed-Powys Police, said: “It was a pleasure to host this valuable event at Dyfed-Powys Police.

“As a force, we are committed to working in partnership to improve the health, wellbeing, and safety of our communities as we work hard to reduce the risk of drug-related harm.”

Craig Jones, Hywel Dda Prevention and Population Health Improvement Manager, said: “This summit marks the beginning of a coordinated regional effort to reduce harm, improve outcomes and strengthen support for individuals, families and communities affected by cocaine use.

“Partners will now work together to address availability, risk reduction and access to support.”

Anyone experiencing problems with substance use, or anyone seeking more information about the Community Drug and Alcohol Team, can visit hduhb.nhs.wales/drug-and-alcohol.

Crime

Farm owner in court after 26 dogs removed over welfare concerns

Published

36 minutes ago

May 20, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Council awarded control of animals after magistrates hear claims of unlicensed breeding

A PEMBROKESHIRE farm owner has appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court after 26 dogs were removed from her care under animal welfare legislation.

Rachel Roberts, of Penlan Oleu, Puncheston, appeared in court on Friday (May 1) in relation to an application brought under Section 20 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 following action by Pembrokeshire County Council.

The court heard that 26 dogs had been taken into possession, including spaniels, dachshunds, poodles, chihuahuas and six puppies.

It was alleged in court that Roberts had been breeding and selling dogs without the appropriate licence, and that some animals had not received the correct vaccinations.

Magistrates granted the application, allowing Pembrokeshire County Council to take control of the dogs and make decisions about their future, including rehoming.

Roberts was also ordered to pay £99,463.35 in costs to the council.

RSPCA investigation

An RSPCA investigation was reportedly opened last year after images emerged of horses said to be in poor condition.

The Herald has also been contacted by a concerned member of the public, who provided videos and photographs which they claim show a dead horse concealed beneath wooden pallets.

The source further alleged that a person staying at the property had witnessed a horse being dragged by its neck using a tractor.

These claims have not been independently verified by The Herald.

Wider allegations

The Herald has also been told that other members of the family may have been involved in the sale of dogs from the property, with allegations that animals were later sold outside Pembrokeshire.

The paper understands that Roberts’ daughter, Eliza Roberts, has previously appeared before the courts in connection with dog-related offences.

Roberts, 36, was sentenced to three months in prison and banned from owning animals for seven years after pleading guilty to two counts of possession of a fighting dog and one count of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control.

The charges followed an incident in Hanwell, near Banbury, on March 26, in which a schnoodle named Winnie was killed by two XL Bully dogs, Kobi and Kardi.

At the sentencing hearing, Roberts was ordered to pay £1,295 compensation, and a destruction order was made for the dogs.

Crime

Man remanded in custody over assault and criminal damage allegations

Published

3 hours ago

May 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Goodwick defendant accused of assault and damaging property as magistrates refuse bail

A GOODWICK man has been remanded in custody after appearing before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court charged with assault and criminal damage.

Scott Hughes appeared before magistrates on Monday (May 18) following allegations relating to an incident in Goodwick.

The court heard Hughes is accused of assault by beating during an incident at an address in Stop and Call, Goodwick, on Saturday (May 16).

He also faces a charge of criminal damage after allegedly damaging property during the same incident.

Hughes did not enter pleas at Monday’s hearing.

Magistrates refused bail and remanded him in custody ahead of a further hearing.

The court was told bail was refused due to concerns Hughes was likely to cause injury or fear of injury to an associated person and because of concerns regarding possible interference with witnesses or obstruction of justice.

He is due to appear again before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (May 26).

Crime

Man remanded in custody over alleged domestic assault and abuse order breach

Published

3 hours ago

May 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Haverfordwest defendant accused of assault causing actual bodily harm and breaching court order

A HAVERFORDWEST man has been remanded in custody after appearing before magistrates charged with assault causing actual bodily harm, common assault and breaching a domestic abuse protection order.

David Guy appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (May 18) following allegations relating to incidents in Haverfordwest.

The court heard Guy is accused of assaulting a woman and causing actual bodily harm on Saturday (May 17). He also faces a charge of common assault alleged to have taken place between May 1 and May 17.

Guy is further accused of breaching a Domestic Abuse Protection Order imposed by Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Monday (May 12).

Prosecutors allege he was prohibited from being in the company of the protected person and from using or threatening violence, but failed to comply with the order on May 17.

Magistrates remanded Guy in custody.

He is due to appear again before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (May 26).