News
Worming agent used to cut cocaine
DYFED POWYS POLICE are warning the public about the dangers of taking drugs after an analysis of a recent drug seizure in Pembrokeshire found a mixture of cocaine and Levamisole.
Detective Sergean Mark Richards said told The Herald: “This is the first time that test results have come back showing this product as being mixed in with the cocaine in the Pembrokeshire area. Chemicals such as Levamisole are known to cause health problems for users.” “Drug dealers are only interested in making money, so users can never be really sure what they are taking or what is contained in a substance when they are supplied by illegal sources.” He added: “Users need to be aware of the dangers and understand the potentially devastating effect it can have on their health. I would urge people to avoid such products and report any information to the police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.” Levamisole is a veterinary anti-worming medicine. It was historically used for humans but was withdrawn from the market because of significant adverse reactions. The Herald understands that Levamisole has increasingly been used as a cutting agent in cocaine sold around the globe with the highest incidence being in the U.S.A . In 2008–2009, Levamisole was found in 69% of cocaine samples seized by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). By April 2011, the DEA reported the adulterant was found in 82% of seizures. Levamisole adds bulk and weight to powdered cocaine (whereas other adulterants produce smaller “rocks” of cocaine) and makes the drug appear purer.
Crime
Couple killed in A477 collision as driver admits causing deaths
Wet conditions and loss of control cited as defendant pleads guilty at Swansea Crown Court
A DRIVER has admitted causing the deaths of two young Pembrokeshire people after his car crossed onto the wrong side of the road and collided with their vehicle.
At Swansea Crown Court, Alexander MacCallum, 28, of Beach Road, Llanreath, pleaded guilty to two counts of causing death by careless driving following the fatal crash on the A477 road.
Katie Worrell, aged 25, from Pembroke, and Adam Muskett, aged 27, from Tenby, were travelling together in a Ford Fiesta when it was struck by MacCallum’s Jaguar during heavy, wet conditions at around 4:00pm on June 13, 2024.

Prosecutor Craig Jones told the court the defendant’s vehicle lost control and drifted across the centre line. The loss of control was described as “momentary”, with standing water on the carriageway believed to have contributed.
The impact proved fatal for both occupants of the Fiesta.
MacCallum accepted responsibility for what happened and expressed remorse for the consequences of his driving.
Judge Huw Rees adjourned sentencing to allow a pre-sentence report to be prepared. He warned the defendant that every option remains available to the court, including an immediate custodial sentence.
MacCallum was granted bail but disqualified from driving in the interim. He is due to return to court for sentencing on April 2.
Addressing relatives present in the courtroom, Judge Rees said the court recognised the scale of their loss.
The families later paid tribute to the couple.
Katie’s loved ones described her as a devoted daughter, sister and friend who embraced life, loved travelling and had recently completed a Masters degree. They said she worked hard, cared deeply for others and “loved Adam beyond words”.
Adam’s family said he was a much-loved son and brother who adored Tenby, football and his partner. They said they were left heartbroken by the loss of his “big kind heart and cheeky smile”.
Both families said their lives would never be the same without them.
Business
Computer Solutions Wales under fire from customers
Claims of unreturned devices, unpaid refunds and small claims court cases as company blames landlord dispute
CUSTOMERS across west Wales have raised concerns about the trading activities of Computer Solutions Wales, alleging unpaid refunds, missing computers and prolonged periods of poor communication.
The Herald has spoken to several individuals who say they handed over laptops or desktop computers for repair or replacement, paid hundreds or in some cases thousands of pounds, and were then left without their property or a refund despite repeated attempts to resolve the matter.
In some cases, those affected say they have pursued the issue through the civil courts.
Court action taken
Zac Townley said he handed over two custom-built desktop PCs for repair on Sunday (Mar 30, 2025) and later paid £710 after being told the work was complete. He says the computers were never returned.
After months of chasing, Mr Townley took the matter to court. A hearing took place in October 2025, which he says the defendant did not attend. The court ruled in his favour and issued an order in November for the return of the two computers and repayment of £377 in court fees.
He says that deadline has since passed and the computers remain outstanding.
Other customers described similar experiences, including payments for repairs or replacement equipment followed by delays, cancelled appointments and repeated assurances that items would be returned or refunds processed.
Several said they were eventually advised to pursue claims through the small claims court.
One former worker also alleged unpaid wages during a period of employment.
The Herald has seen copies of text messages, payment confirmations and court paperwork relating to some of the complaints.
Company status questions
Companies House records show that Computer Solutions Pembs Ltd, the limited company associated with the business, was dissolved on Tuesday (July 29, 2025) following compulsory strike-off proceedings.
Filings show changes to directors and persons with significant control in the months before dissolution, along with a change of registered office address outside Wales.
Under company law, a dissolved limited company cannot trade or enter into new contracts.
Despite this, services continued to be advertised online under the Computer Solutions Wales name, including through a website and social media pages. Some customers told The Herald they believed they were dealing with an active limited company at the time they made payments.
Trading history
Archived photographs, marketing material and social media posts seen by The Herald show the Computer Solutions Wales name has been used publicly for several years, including from a high street premises in Pembrokeshire and in promotional material dating back to 2022.
Customers said they understood Computer Solutions Wales to be an established local business operating under the same branding throughout that period.
Police response
Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed they had reviewed information provided to them about the complaints.
In correspondence seen by The Pembrokeshire Herald, police said the matters raised did not constitute a criminal investigation and appeared to relate to civil liability and potential consumer protection issues. Complainants were advised to contact Trading Standards and pursue enforcement through the civil courts where appropriate.

Company response
Steven Grant, trading as Computer Solutions Wales, was contacted and offered the opportunity to comment. Publication of this article was delayed by one week to allow time for a response.
In a written holding statement, a spokesperson for the business said the issues stemmed from a dispute with a former landlord.
The statement said: “This issue began when Computer Solutions Wales was in dispute with its then landlord over building repair obligations and subsequent rent requirements.
“Since then, the landlord has denied CSW access to the property which contains a number of computers. These computers do not belong to CSW nor the landlord, but to CSW customers.
“CSW does not understand the legal position regarding ‘ownership’ of these computers, and is urgently seeking legal advice as to how the computers can be returned to their rightful owners at the earliest opportunity.
“CSW fully understands the frustration of its customers, and can reassure them that it is making strenuous efforts to resolve this matter as soon as is possible.”
The Herald asked Mr Grant to clarify several points arising from this explanation, including why customers were not kept informed during the alleged access dispute, how long access to the premises had been restricted, how many customer devices remained at the property, whether customers had been formally notified in writing, and the name of the landlord or managing agent so the circumstances could be independently verified.
He replied that he was travelling and had no further comment beyond the statement already provided.
News
Starmer under fire as aides quit and Scottish Labour leader calls on him to resign
Two senior Downing Street exits in 24 hours as Anas Sarwar breaks ranks, but ministers insist the Prime Minister is staying put
PRESSURE continued to mount on Keir Starmer today (Monday) after two of his closest advisers resigned within 24 hours and the leader of Scottish Labour publicly called on him to step down.
The rapid series of events has fuelled growing speculation about the Prime Minister’s authority inside his own party, with critics describing the situation in Downing Street as chaotic and poorly handled.

Starmer first lost his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, who stepped aside after taking responsibility for recommending the controversial appointment of Peter Mandelson as the UK’s ambassador to Washington.
Within hours, his director of communications, Tim Allan, also quit, saying a new team should take charge of the government’s messaging.
Two departures at that level in a single day are highly unusual and immediately prompted questions in Westminster about stability at the centre of government.
The crisis deepened further when Anas Sarwar broke ranks and urged Starmer to resign, arguing that the ongoing Mandelson controversy was becoming a damaging distraction and risked harming Labour’s prospects, particularly in Scotland.
Sarwar is the most senior Labour figure so far to publicly question the Prime Minister’s position.
A row that would not go away
The Mandelson appointment was initially seen as a difficult but containable judgement call. Supporters pointed to his experience and international contacts, while critics raised concerns about his past links to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.
However, instead of fading, the story has dragged on for days, prompting criticism of how Downing Street has handled the fallout.
Several Labour MPs privately admit the issue is no longer the appointment itself but the perception that the government has been slow and defensive in responding.
One senior backbencher said: “It’s not the decision that hurts you. It’s looking like you’re not in control.”
Who is backing Starmer
Despite the noise, Starmer still retains public support from much of the Cabinet.
Allies say he remains focused on governing and has no intention of stepping down. Downing Street sources insist he is “getting on with the job” and dismiss talk of an imminent leadership challenge.
Senior ministers have urged colleagues to rally around the Prime Minister rather than fuel instability.
There is currently no formal mechanism under way to remove him, and no obvious successor waiting in the wings.
Political risk growing
Nevertheless, the optics are uncomfortable.
Two senior resignations in quick succession, combined with a public call to quit from within Labour’s own ranks, risk creating the impression of a government losing control of its message.
That perception matters.
Prime ministers are rarely forced out over a single decision. They fall when their own MPs begin to doubt that they can win the next election.
With Reform UK continuing to dominate headlines with simple, punchy messaging and Labour struggling to explain its record, some backbenchers fear that continued communication missteps could erode confidence further.
For now, Starmer remains in office.
But after the past 24 hours, questions about his leadership are no longer confined to the opposition benches.
They are coming from inside his own party.
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