News

Family in court over £3.5m ‘cannabis factory’ between Narberth and Whitland

Published

5 years ago

July 14, 2021

IN THE LARGEST ever raid of its kind for the force, Dyfed-Powys Police have uncovered a ‘cannabis factory’ located on a small holding between Narberth and Whitland, which they say produced an estimated £3.5m of the drug between 2015 and 2020.

A family, originally from Portsmouth, who moved to the farmstead in 2015 have been arrested and placed on bail for the last nine months.

On Wednesday (Jul 14) five people separately appeared in front of the bench at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court to face charges relating to the production and supply of a class B drug, and having a large quantity of criminal funds.

Edward Robert McCann, 61, company director of Orbis Mobile Technologies Ltd based in Hampshire was first in the dock.

He as charged with four counts of conspiracy to supply a class B drug on various dates between 2013, two years before the family moved to the farm, and from 2015 to 2020, when at the farm.

The Crown also allege that Edward McCann, wearing a blue sweatshirt over a white casual shirt and standing with the aid of a crutch, had a large amount of cash he could not account for, namely £185,000 in his bank account when the Inland Revenue say his income was only £7189.

A bail application was made by a Mr Butler, solicitor representing all the McCann family. He argued that McCann Snr was not a flight risk, and that he had been on bail already for several months with no problems. Mr Butler pointed to the fact that his client had no previous criminal convictions and has been held in high esteem in society by serving his country in the military and through his businesses interests.

Addressing the bench, Mr Butler added: “Sir, I do not want to address too much regards the evidence, that is a matter for later. My client has had his bail extended on two occasions, each time attending the police station without any problems. He is not a flight risk; he has always complied with what has been asked of him.”

Next to be brought into the dock was the son of the first defendant, Daniel McCann, 36, who is facing the same set of charges as his dad. The CPS said they consider him to be a “key player” in the cannabis farm, and police alleged there is a text message from a family member stating that McCann Jnr is “A ninja at making oil.”

One charge of allegedly handling a substantial amount of cash because of criminal activity is linked to £245,527 the police seized from his bank account.

Daniel McCann, who described himself in court as a male escort, but also claims to ex-special forces, said through his solicitor that he had no previous convictions, and that funds in his bank were from his work. An application for bail was refused by the bench on the grounds that the defendant “was a light risk and the possibility of colluding with other witnesses.”

Both defendants had bail refused and were remanded in custody. They are due to appear at Swansea Crown Court on August 11.

At the time of going to press the court hearing was ongoing, and three other defendants were being brough up to be dealt with in connection with the case.

ORIGINAL REPORT FROM TIME OF RAID

FIVE people have been arrested in connection with the discovery of a large amount of cannabis in Carmarthenshire.

Dyfed-Powys Police carried out a warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act at an address in between Narberth and Whitland, on the morning of Friday, October 23.

Officers found a significant number of mature cannabis plants, with a sophisticated hydroponics set-up, numerous bags of cannabis bud, and cannabis resin.

Police seized electronic devices, several thousands of pounds in cash and silver bars, as well as vehicles under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Five people – a 58-year-old woman and four men aged 28, 30, 60 and 61 – were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the production of cannabis, and possession with intent to supply.

They have been bailed with conditions pending further enquiries.

Detective Inspector Rhys Jones said: “This is an example of excellent collaborative work between a number of different departments in the force, which has taken a significant amount of drugs off the streets.

“As our investigation into this cannabis cultivation continues, we ask anyone with information that could help enquiries to please get in touch.

“We urge anyone with information about suspicious or unusual activity in rural areas report it to us, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously.”

MORE TO FOLLOW

Crime

Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe

Published

48 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.

At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.

The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.

The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.

In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.

Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.

Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.

While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.

The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.

“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”

He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”

Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.

Crime

Publican jailed for six years for supplying cocaine and cannabis

Published

1 hour ago

March 20, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Milford Haven man sentenced at Swansea Crown Court following drug dealing operation

A MILFORD HAVEN publican has been jailed for six years after admitting supplying cocaine and cannabis.

The defendant, who previously appeared before magistrates and was remanded in custody, was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court following an investigation into drug dealing activity linked to the town.

The court heard that he had been involved in the supply of Class A and Class B drugs, with evidence including material recovered by police and analysis of mobile phone data. Investigators said the activity had been ongoing since at least 2024.

Cocaine, a Class A drug, carries the most serious penalties under UK law, and the involvement of both cocaine and cannabis was reflected in the length of the sentence imposed.

During proceedings, the court was told that the case went beyond isolated incidents, with the defendant playing a significant role in the supply chain. The judge said the offending was serious and sustained, warranting an immediate custodial sentence.

He was sentenced to six years in prison.

The case had previously been heard at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, where the defendant was remanded due to the seriousness of the allegations before being sent to the Crown Court for sentencing.

Education

Prendergast School achieves gold award for Armed Forces support

Published

2 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Top honour recognises commitment to Service children and families

PRENDERGAST CP School in Haverfordwest has been awarded the highest possible recognition for its support of Armed Forces families.

The school has secured Gold Armed Forces Friendly School Cymru status, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing work to support pupils from Service backgrounds.

Headteacher Louise John said the achievement reflects a strong, whole-school commitment to ensuring Service children feel supported and able to succeed.

She said: “We are committed to ensuring Service pupils feel welcomed, understood and able to thrive.

“We recognise the unique experiences of children from Service families and have worked hard to embed that understanding across the school.

“Our approach focuses on early identification, strong communication with families, and consistent pastoral support.

“Achieving Gold status recognises the dedication of our staff and the inclusive practices already in place, while reinforcing our ongoing commitment to supporting Service children’s wellbeing, sense of belonging, and educational success.”

The Gold award, delivered through Supporting Service Children in Education Cymru (SSCE Cymru), requires schools to demonstrate strong and sustained support for Service children. This includes creating a positive environment where pupils can share their experiences and strengthening links with the wider Armed Forces community.

Prendergast CP School previously achieved both Bronze and Silver awards before progressing to the top level.

Cllr Simon Hancock, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Armed Forces Champion, praised the achievement.

He said: “I would like to congratulate Prendergast School on achieving the coveted Gold Armed Forces Friendly School Cymru status.

“From my visits, it is clear the school actively engages with the Armed Forces community and provides a positive and supportive environment for Service children.”

Cllr Guy Woodham, Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language, added: “This is fantastic recognition of the ongoing work at Prendergast School.

“It highlights the importance of supporting Armed Forces families and sets a strong example of best practice. Well done to everyone involved.”