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Police disrupt ‘new drugs line’ as it heads towards Pembrokeshire

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A VIOLENT offender believed to have been setting up a new drugs line into south west Wales was disrupted by police as he travelled through Carmarthenshire towards Pembrokeshire.

Muhajid Edwards has previous convictions for violent crimes and the use of weapons in other areas, and was wearing a stab vest when he was arrested by Dyfed-Powys Police.

Officers stopped a car being driven by the 24-year-old on Thursday, March 18 after its travel pattern and 24-hour insurance policy raised suspicions.

He claimed he was selling the car to someone in Port Talbot, despite having driven 20 miles past the location, and was arrested on suspicion of driving offences.

Detective Inspector Rhys Jones said: “Despite initially giving officers false details, the defendant was identified as Muhajid Edwards, who has links to county lines in Cardiff, and a history of significant violence and knife crimes.

“This provided some explanation as to why he was wearing a covert stab vest on arrest.”

Extensive enquiries were carried out in Cardiff and the West Midlands, while Edwards was under constant watch in custody as it was strongly suspected he had ‘plugged’ drugs inside his body.

He spent 11 days in custody, refusing food and drink for 96 hours in an attempt not to pass the substances.

“He was incredibly obstructive during our investigation, refusing medical attention, not allowing access to his mobile phone, and declining food or drink despite requesting particular meals,” DI Jones said.

“Despite this, we had gathered enough evidence for the CPS to authorise charges against the suspect.

“After 11 days, he finally passed two packages which were confirmed to contain heroin and crack cocaine weighing 57 grams in total.

“The approximate street value of these substances would be in excess of £5,000.”

Edwards, from Birmingham, was charged with two counts of possessing class A drugs with intent to supply, obstructing a police officer in their duty, driving while disqualified, driving with no insurance and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

He admitted the charges and appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Wednesday, May 19, where he was sentenced to 66 months in prison.

Speaking after sentencing, DI Jones said: “Edwards has significant history for possessing drugs with intent to supply, along with violent offences including stabbings and robberies in Cardiff.

“It is believed he was setting up a new county line in the Dyfed-Powys force area which has thankfully been disrupted at the earliest opportunity.

“His previous offending, and the fact he was wearing a stab vest on arrest, leaves me in no doubt that if he had been allowed to set up a county line in Dyfed-Powys, serious levels of violence would have been used at some stage.”

DI Jones thanked officers for their commitment and perseverance in this investigation.

“Uniformed officers were on constant observations with the suspect, while proactive policing team officers worked through weekend rest days to ensure we satisfied the courts we were conducting the investigation as diligently as possible,” he said.

“Edwards himself even commented to staff that he could not believe how thorough and persistent our teams were.

“We hope this sentence sends a clear message to drug traffickers that Dyfed-Powys Police will make it as difficult as possible for them to bring class A drugs into our force area.”

 

News

Heatwave disruption: Train cancellation warning for Pembrokeshire travellers

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Rail operators urge passengers to check before travelling as extreme heat threatens delays and cancellations across Wales

RAIL passengers from Pembrokeshire are being warned to expect disruption this week as soaring temperatures place pressure on Wales’ railway network.

Transport for Wales, Great Western Railway and Network Rail have all issued warnings as an extreme heat alert remains in force across much of Wales, with temperatures forecast to reach the high 30s in some areas.

While no services in Pembrokeshire have been cancelled, passengers travelling to Swansea, Cardiff, Bristol and London are being advised to check before travelling and allow extra time for their journeys.

Transport for Wales has already suspended services on two routes in south Wales due to the forecast conditions, while further disruption is expected elsewhere on the network.

Rail operators say extreme temperatures can cause overhead power lines to sag, increase the risk of trackside fires and, in severe cases, lead to rails buckling. Temporary speed restrictions may also be introduced, resulting in delays and cancellations.

Jake Kelly, deputy chief executive of Network Rail, said: “Extreme heat can have a significant impact on the railway, so safety must come first.

“We’re asking passengers to check before travelling and only travel if absolutely essential during the peak of this weather event.”

Great Western Railway has also advised customers to travel only if necessary on Wednesday (June 24) and Thursday (June 25).

The operator said reduced timetables may be introduced during the hottest parts of the day, with fewer trains running and journey times taking longer than normal.

To help passengers affected by disruption, ticket restrictions have been relaxed, allowing some tickets to be used on alternative travel dates.

Passengers are being urged to carry water, plan ahead and check the latest service information before setting off.

 

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Education

Pembs parents watch closely as Carmarthenshire schools shut in extreme heat

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PEMBROKESHIRE parents are being urged to check school messages as neighbouring Carmarthenshire prepares to close all secondary schools on Wednesday and Thursday because of extreme heat.

The move in Carmarthenshire has raised questions across west Wales about whether schools in Pembrokeshire could also be affected as temperatures continue to rise.

All secondary schools in Carmarthenshire are set to close for two days, with some primary schools also deciding to shut. There has been no blanket closure decision for primary schools in that county.

In Pembrokeshire, no county-wide secondary school closure announcement has been made at this stage.

Parents should check directly with their child’s school for the latest information, including texts, emails, school apps, websites and social media pages.

The situation may vary from school to school, depending on building conditions, ventilation, classroom temperatures and local circumstances.

The closures in Carmarthenshire come as Wales faces exceptional weather conditions, with concerns about pupil and staff welfare during the heatwave.

Many school buildings, particularly older sites, can become extremely hot during prolonged periods of high temperature.

A Wales-wide picture is now emerging, with schools in several counties considering closures, early finishes or remote learning.

For Pembrokeshire families, the key message is not to assume schools are closed unless official confirmation has been received.

The Herald will continue to monitor updates from Pembrokeshire schools and the county council.

 

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Local Government

Armed Forces flag flies over County Hall

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THE ARMED FORCES flag is flying proudly at County Hall this week ahead of Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 27.

Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Tessa Hodgson, and the Council’s Armed Forces Champion, Cllr Simon Hancock were among those who marked the flag raising on Monday morning (June 22).

Also present were the Chairman of Council, Cllr Delme Harries, the Chief Executive, Will Bramble and the Regional Armed Forces Covenant Liaison Officer, Hayley Edwards.

Cllr Hancock said: “It is always a very proud moment to see the Armed Forces Flag flying over County Hall.

“Armed Forces Day is a chance to show our deep appreciation for the men and women who serve, as well as the families and communities who support them.

“Our county has a rich history of connection with the Armed Forces, and we are proud to uphold and strengthen that bond.

“As a Council we are committed to ensuring that members of the Armed Forces community in Pembrokeshire receive the recognition and support they truly deserve and we are proud to be a Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award holder.”

 

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