News

48 years in jail for Pembrokeshire drugs gang [Updated]

Published

8 years ago

June 24, 2016

cocaine

MEMBERS of a drugs gang who shipped more than £1m worth of cocaine into Pembrokeshire have been jailed today(Jun 24) for a total of 48 years.

The “head” of the west Wales link, businessman James Bolton, 48, of Kiln Road, Johnston, was jailed for nine and a half years.

Detectives bugged his business, Station Automotives, and heard him discussing drugs deals.

James Frederick Bolton

His then partner, Siobhan Jackson, 39, also of Kiln Road, was jailed for five years and four months.

Siobhan Jackson

Leigh Salter, aged 37, of Steynton Road, Milford Haven, said to be the “main man” in Milford Haven, was also jailed for five years and four months.

Leigh John Salter

Andrew Davies, aged 54, of Hill Street, Haverfordwest, who made four drugs runs as a courier in return for £700, was sent down for four years and four months.

Andrew John Davies

Part way through the conspiracy, which involved linking up with drugs suppliers in Liverpool, Salter started a quite separate scheme to buy drugs from a dealer in Swansea.

He used former soldier David Parker, aged 41, of Skomer Drive, Milford Haven, who was caught by detectives as he collected drugs for Salter.

Parker, said to be an active charity fund raiser in Milford, was jailed for 16 months, suspended for two years, and ordered to carry out 250 hours of unpaid work for the community.

They had all admitted conspiring to supply cocaine between September 1, 2012, and April 22, 2015.

Judge Paul Thomas, sitting at Swansea crown court, said the “kingpin” in Liverpool had been Adam Idris, 33, of Grove Dale Road, Liverpool.

Adam John Idris

The conspiracy was smashed by detectives working on Operation Pigeon but before they could move in Idris was arrested in Stoke on Trent as he delivered 250 grams of cocaine.

He was granted police bail while inquiries continued but spent his time setting up the Pembrokeshire conspiracy.

He was jailed for 12 years.

Adam Woodhouse, 34, of Weaver Close, Alsager, Staffordshire, his main courier who admitted making 60 trips to Pembrokeshire to either deliver drugs or collect money, received six years and eight months.

Adam Mark Woodhouse

Idris’ cousin, bank worker John Foster, 34, of Tiverton Road, Liverpool, admitted money laundering and was jailed for two years and six months.

John Paul Foster

Dannielle Maloney, 36, of Dovedale Road, Liverpool, admitted the same charge. She was sentenced to 16 months, suspended for 12 months, and told to undertake 60 days of a rehabilitation activity and to carry out 250 hours of unpaid work.

Judge Thomas told all the defendants they had known the risks involved in supplying a class A drug.

“You took a gamble and lost. Now you must pay the price,” he said.

“Cocaine is often referred to as a leisure drug, but that hides the ugly truth, that it destroys lives and families.

“But each of you took a deliberate decision to get involved in this illegal activity.”

The gang, he said, had made huge amounts of money out of west Wales while creating huge amounts of misery for the people who ultimately consumed the drugs.

During a two day sentencing hearing Robin Rouch, the barrister leading the prosecution, said police logged mobile telephone traffic, car movements and money transfers and in all were able to identify 43 drug runs, although after his arrest Woodhouse alone confessed to at least 60.

It became clear, said Mr Rouch, that Salter and Bolton were the “main players” locally and that Idris was the supplier and Woodhouse the main courier.

When police moved in to make arrests they made finds that suggested about 500 grams of cocaine, worth £30,000, were being shipped each time.

The listening device picked up Bolton and Jackson discussing delivery routes and changing mobile telephones.

And Jackson was followed to Liverpool.

Mr Rouch said Operation Pigeon soon became intertwined with another drugs operation that involved Idris supplying cocaine from Liverpool to the Stoke on Trent area.

Bolton, the court heard, had been convicted in 2010 of possessing cocaine with intent to supply.

Mr Rouch said a Proceeds of Crime investigation was now underway to identify drugs profits that could be confiscated.

POLICE WELCOME SENTENCES

Officers from the Dyfed-Powys Police Serious and Organised Crime Team welcome the sentences handed down today by Judge Paul Thomas in respect to the ten individuals convicted for their part in a conspiracy to supply Class A controlled drugs, namely cocaine, into the Pembrokeshire area. The operation had been named, “Operation Pigeon”.

The operation centred on the illegal drug dealing activities of two Organised Crime Groups (OCG’s) within Pembrokeshire. The first headed by James Frederick Bolton operating within the Johnston / Haverfordwest area and the second headed by Leigh John Salter operating within the Milford Haven area. Mr Bolton and Mr Salter had sourced significant quantities of cocaine from a Liverpool OCG headed by Adam John Idris and had arranged its onward distribution at Pembrokeshire via a criminal network of associates. Later in the investigation it was identified that Leigh John Salter also sourced cocaine from a Swansea based individual.

The operation captured evidence between a significant period: from October 2012 to April 2015.

Police intercepted two seizures of cocaine during the course of the investigation totalling 1.2Kg.

Officers evidenced the movement of in the region of £60,000 between Pembrokeshire and the Liverpool based crime group during the conspiracy period. Furthermore, in the region of £7,000 cash was also recovered by police.

Detective Chief Inspector Huw Davies, the Senior Investigating officer, told The Herald: “Today’s sentences are pleasing and reflect the hard work and tenacity of the investigating team during a complex enquiry.

“The investigation evidences a commitment by Dyfed Powys police to provide appropriate resources to investigate and reduce the risk of drug related harm within our communities.

“The investigation disclosed that this crime group were responsible for the trafficking of cocaine into the Pembrokeshire area.

These were significant amounts of cocaine to be available within the small communities of Pembrokeshire and the investigation and enforcement is likely to have had a significant impact.

“The level of this investigation and sentencing should send a clear message to those intent on committing serious crime within our policing area that you will ultimately be frustrated and held responsible for your actions”

Community

Welsh National Scooter Rally gears up for a revival in Tenby

Published

17 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

SCOOTER enthusiasts from across the country are set to descend on Tenby for the eagerly anticipated return of the Welsh National Scooter Rally this May Bank Holiday weekend. This marks the event’s grand return to the popular seaside destination for the first time since 2022, promising a vibrant celebration of scooter culture.

Organised by the Scooter Collective South Wales, the rally is expected to draw hundreds to Pembrokeshire’s “jewel in the crown.” Attendees can look forward to a colourful array of scooters lining the historic Tenby High Street, adding a splash of retro charm to the town’s picturesque scenery.

The weekend’s schedule is packed with activities, starting with a scenic ‘ride-out’ from Tenby United RFC on Heywood Lane on Saturday afternoon. This event promises to be a visual spectacle, with a parade of beautifully maintained and creatively decorated scooters cruising through the local area.

Music lovers have plenty to get excited about as well. The Specials Limited, a renowned two-tone tribute band, will be performing at the De Valence Pavilion on Friday night, supported by DJ Steve Foster. Concurrently, the Ex-Servicemen’s Club and Tenby Rugby Club will host rooms dedicated to Northern Soul and Reggae soul, respectively, ensuring that there’s something to suit all musical tastes.

Saturday’s festivities will also feature a customs show and traders fair at the Rugby Ground. This event provides a perfect opportunity for enthusiasts to showcase their scooters and exchange tips and accessories with fellow aficionados.

As the rally winds down, the weekend will conclude with a grand end-of-rally party at the Rugby Club, where participants can celebrate their shared passion for scooters and music, reflecting on a weekend full of fun and camaraderie.

For those planning to attend, the Welsh National Scooter Rally not only offers a chance to revel in scooter culture but also to explore the enchanting town of Tenby.

With its rich history and stunning coastal views, Tenby provides the perfect backdrop for an event that celebrates classic style and community spirit.

Community

Barley Saturday makes a grand return to Cardigan

Published

17 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SATURDAY (Apr 27), the historic town of Cardigan in West Wales is abuzz with excitement as it hosts its largest annual event, Barley Saturday. This significant day marks not just a local festival but a vital link to the agricultural roots of the region, attracting spectators from across the country to witness a spectacular parade of livestock and vintage vehicles.

At 2 PM, the main streets of Cardigan transformed into a vibrant parade route featuring the best of rural life—from the supreme stallion, admired by an enthusiastic crowd, to the meticulously prepared parade participants. This parade not only showcases the beauty and strength of these animals but also the care and tradition that continue to thrive in Cardigan.

The event kicked off early with an impressive lineup of agricultural workhorses displayed on the show field. The anticipation built up throughout the day as crowds gathered, lining the streets, eager to catch a glimpse of the gleaming vintage vehicles and the majestic livestock. According to Tudor Harries, the show secretary, “Barley Saturday helps restore the lost link between our community and its agricultural heritage.”

With such a large turnout, local authorities implemented strategic road closures and diversions to manage the flow of traffic effectively. Between 1:30 PM and 4 PM, several main roads were closed, ensuring the parade route remains clear and safe for both participants and spectators. Traffic around the town was slow-moving, indicating the high volume of attendees this year.

Beyond the festivities, Barley Saturday is a day of community and giving. Volunteers play a crucial role in marshaling the event, and bucket collections are conducted throughout the day, with all proceeds going to local charities. This spirit of community service is a testament to the values that underpin Barley Saturday.

Barley Saturday is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of Cardigan’s heritage and a vital part of its cultural calendar. It offers a day filled with joy, community spirit, and a deep appreciation for the rural traditions that are so often overlooked in modern times. As the town enjoys today’s festivities, it also renews its connection to the past, ensuring that these traditions will not be forgotten.

Charity

Peter’s walk for veterans suffering from mental health issues

Published

18 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON Saturday, March 30, Peter Kraus undertook a 15.6-mile walk from Front Street in Pembroke Dock to Carew Castle to support veterans struggling with mental health issues and PTSD.

Originally believing the route to be 10 miles, Kraus faced a greater challenge than anticipated. He organized the walk through the Combat Stress Site, aiming to raise £1000. “They look after us and keep us safe,” Kraus told The Herald, expressing his effort as a gesture of gratitude towards the veterans.