News
£3.15m worth of illegal drugs seized in south and west Wales
IN A SWEEPING crackdown on organised drug trade, 63 individuals were arrested and over £3.15 million worth of drugs were confiscated during a focused week of operations led by the Tarian Regional Organised Crime Unit.
From October 9-15, the UK observed the “County Lines Intensification Week”, a nationwide initiative that targets the “County Lines” drug dealing system. This system involves organised criminal groups (OCGs) transporting and distributing drugs from urban centers to smaller towns and rural areas.
The Tarian unit, responsible for the southern Wales region, collaborated with other national law enforcement agencies to intensify their operations against these drug syndicates. Teams from the South Wales, Gwent, and Dyfed-Powys Police forces carried out 17 search warrants leading to the arrest of 63 individuals.
The operations in southern Wales led to:
- Dismantling of 8 county lines operations.
- Confiscation of £260,000 in cash.
- Seizure of various drugs including Crack Cocaine, Heroin, Amphetamine, Cocaine, and an astonishing 4,580 Cannabis plants with an estimated value of up to £3.1 million.
- Recovery of various weapons including knives, hammers, lighter fluid, and two shotguns.
- Identification and safeguarding of 63 vulnerable adults and children.
- Seizure of multiple vehicles and mobile phones.
- Engagement with over 400 community members in a mass event.
The operations saw police utilizing multiple resources, including automatic number plate recognition (ANPR), knife sweeps, covert officers, and police canines. Key information from the public, reporting suspicions around county lines exploitation, played a crucial role in the success of these operations.
Detective Inspector Richard Weber, a representative from Tarian, highlighted the purpose of such intensive operations, stating, “The aim is to disrupt organised crime gangs whose activities harm the exploited.” Weber praised the combined effort of the law enforcement agencies and added, “Their dedication exemplifies our commitment to challenging county lines criminals and safeguarding our communities.”
To help combat this persistent issue, police collaborated with partners from various sectors, including health, education, and transportation, to raise awareness about the signs of exploitation linked to county lines.
Weber emphasized the importance of public awareness and partnership, noting, “A lot of the issues we face are hidden, and we rely on the public and our partners to raise concerns. This allows us to target the culprits and protect those at risk.”
For more details on county lines activity and how to report any suspicions, visit Crimestoppers UK: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/keeping-safe/community-family/county-lines.
Crime
Jailed for breaching domestic violence protection order
AMY Woolston, 20, of Vine Road, Johnston, Pembrokeshire, has been sentenced to six weeks in prison for breaching a domestic violence protection order.
On 15th May 2024, Woolston was found in the company of a man in a flat at The Farmers Arms, Market Street, Whitland, in violation of the order issued by Llanelli Magistrates Court on 10th May 2024.
The court deemed the offence serious due to the proximity to the original order and a previous breach involving the same victim. Woolston was not in custody and appeared unrepresented in court. Her total sentence length is 18 weeks.
The case was dealt with in Haverfordwest court on May 16.
News
Lease of former Newcastle Emlyn Courthouse approved
Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet has this week approved the transfer of the former Newcastle Emlyn Courthouse to Newcastle Emlyn Town Council.
The Cabinet approved a 21-year lease which will facilitate the Town Council’s plan to bring the premises back into use.
The future of the former Courthouse has been considered in detail, with the Town Council carrying out a public consultation on the community’s requirements, and the sites potential contribution to those local needs. The outcome of the consultation suggested that the local community wanted the building to be retained, refurbished and transformed into a multi- use centre.
Newcastle Emlyn Town Council intend to submit an application for funding from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund [UKSPF] in order to pay for the necessary restoration work. The funding is conditional upon the Town Council having a lease of sufficient term on the premises.
Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Resources, Cllr Alun Lenny commented: “The building as it currently stands is not needed for further use by the County Council and has been empty for some time. I welcome the Cabinet’s decision to approve the transfer of this asset to Newcastle Emlyn Town Council. The funding will ensure that the building is being used for the benefit of the town’s residents.
“This decision is in line with Carmarthenshire County Council’s Wellbeing Objectives: Enabling our communities and environment to be healthy, safe, and prosperous (Prosperous Communities).”
Crime
Teenagers fled from Pembroke RFC after setting spectators stand on fire
ON MONDAY (may 16) between the hours of 16:25 and 17:00, the spectators stand of Pembroke Rugby Football Club was deliberately set on fire, police have said.
Two males, aged between 17-19, fled from the club grounds immediately after the smoke plumes were noticed.
Both males were on dark framed push bikes and wearing dark coloured hooded jumpers.
Officers are asking if anyone who has any information or has witnessed anyone acting suspiciously in the area around these times, is asked to contact police either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.
Quote reference: 24000446140
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.
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