THE LOCAL health board has launched new targeted measures after recording a sharp rise in the use of steroids and other image-enhancing drugs across the region.

Hywel Dda University Health Board says needle exchange figures show significant growth over the past two years in people seeking support related to Image and Performance Enhancing Drugs (IPEDs), including anabolic steroids and so-called Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs).

SARMs, while marketed online as safer alternatives to steroids, are illegal to sell in the UK and health professionals warn they carry serious and largely unknown risks.

The health board has now teamed up with Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service (DDAS) and Choices, a young people’s substance use service, to tackle what officials describe as an “emerging public health challenge”.

Workshops and outreach

Two key initiatives have been introduced.

Educational workshops are being delivered to young people, focusing on the risks of using performance-enhancing substances during physical development and the potential long-term effects on hormones, mental health and fertility.

At the same time, enhanced support is being offered to people already involved in gym and fitness culture, with harm-reduction advice, health monitoring and confidential drop-in services.

Support includes testosterone testing, blood checks, cycle provision kits and discreet one-to-one consultations.

One service user described the programme as “quick, professional and non-judgemental”.

They said: “The drop-in clinic for my blood test was really convenient. I was seen quickly and given a full run-down of the services available. The staff made me feel comfortable the whole time and I got my results back faster than expected.”

Taking support into the community

The team has also worked directly with local gyms, leisure centres and sports venues, speaking to more than 100 people during five outreach sessions.

Twelve DDAS staff members have completed specialist IPED training delivered by Public Health Wales to strengthen expertise within the service.

Rachel Wilson, Resilient Families Manager at Choices, said the aim is to reduce stigma.

She said: “We’re proud to work alongside Hywel Dda to ensure people who use IPEDs are met with understanding, not judgement. These initiatives are helping us reach individuals who may not have previously considered accessing support.”

Craig Jones, Prevention and Population Health Improvement Manager, added: “This work is about meeting people where they are. By listening and responding with compassion and evidence-based care, we’re making a real difference.”

Dr Ardiana Gjini, Executive Director of Public Health, said the approach showed the board’s commitment to early intervention.

She said: “These initiatives reflect a proactive, collaborative response to emerging health challenges and demonstrate our dedication to protecting the health of our communities.”

Anyone seeking confidential advice or support can contact DDAS on 03303 639997 to book an appointment.

Milford Haven and other UK energy hubs urged to stay vigilant amid rising European threats

CONCERNS about the security of major European ports have intensified after two men were arrested over an alleged attempt to sabotage German naval vessels at the Port of Hamburg.

Eurojust, the EU’s crime agency, said the suspects are believed to have deliberately interfered with ships by disabling safety switches, removing fuel tank caps, puncturing water lines and dumping more than twenty kilograms of abrasive gravel into an engine system.

Officials warned that, had the damage gone undetected, it could have caused serious mechanical failure, delayed deployments and endangered German Navy operations.

The suspects, port workers aged thirty-seven and fifty-four, were arrested in Germany and Greece following coordinated raids. Homes in several countries were searched as part of the investigation.

While Germany has not formally blamed Moscow, the arrests come amid growing fears of Kremlin-linked disruption activity across Europe since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Recent incidents have included damaged undersea cables in the Baltic and suspicious drone activity around airports and military facilities.

Security analysts say ports — especially those handling military or energy assets — are increasingly viewed as soft targets.

The developments have clear relevance for west Wales, home to the Milford Haven waterway and the Port of Milford Haven — one of the UK’s most strategically important energy hubs.

The Haven handles a significant share of Britain’s liquefied natural gas imports and hosts major oil and gas infrastructure, alongside commercial and fishing traffic. Any disruption could have national consequences for energy supply as well as local jobs.

Maritime security experts say the Hamburg case highlights how insider access can pose risks.

The suspects there reportedly worked at the port itself, allowing them proximity to vessels and systems without raising immediate suspicion.

That has prompted calls for tighter background checks, improved surveillance and stronger reporting procedures at critical UK ports.

A senior maritime security consultant told The Herald: “The biggest threat is often not dramatic attacks but low-level interference — someone loosening fittings, contaminating fuel, damaging cables. Small acts can cause very expensive and dangerous failures.

“Energy and naval ports are now considered critical infrastructure and must be protected accordingly.”

A spokesperson at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “Security across the Waterway is made up of physical measures, procedures, information‑sharing, and intelligence work. These activities are coordinated across all facilities to maintain an effective, intelligence‑led approach to security.

“Both land‑based and marine teams contribute, including commercial operators and government agencies. Each organisation uses its own vetting processes, all of which follow national standards, regulations, and best practice.”

UK vigilance

Across the UK, ports already operate under the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, which requires controlled access zones, patrols and monitoring.

However, the scale and complexity of sites such as Milford Haven mean constant vigilance is needed.

Industry sources say collaboration between harbour authorities, police and counter-terrorism teams has increased in recent years, particularly following the war in Ukraine.

A Port of Milford Haven spokesperson previously said security measures are regularly reviewed and updated to “protect people, vessels and infrastructure”.

Police have not indicated any specific threat locally.

Nevertheless, the Hamburg arrests serve as a reminder that sabotage attempts are no longer theoretical.

For communities around the Haven — where tankers, refineries and supply chains underpin the local economy — the message is simple: what happens in European ports today could easily have implications at home tomorrow.

Teenager arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after lockdown triggered

A TEACHER was assaulted by a pupil brandishing a weapon at Milford Haven School on Tuesday afternoon (Feb 4), triggering an emergency lockdown and a major police response.

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police were called to the school at around 3:20pm following reports that a member of staff had been attacked.

A lockdown was immediately implemented, with doors secured and pupils and staff told to remain inside classrooms and offices while the situation was dealt with.

Most pupils had already left at the end of the school day, but some remained on site for after-school activities.

Police confirmed that the injured teacher’s wounds are not believed to be stab injuries and they are currently receiving medical treatment.

Superintendent Chris Neve said: “We can confirm police are at Milford Haven Comprehensive School, following a report of the assault of a teacher by a pupil brandishing a weapon at the school at approx. 3.20pm.

“The teacher’s injury is not a stab injury. A lock down was implemented but has now been lifted. The teacher is receiving medical treatment for their injuries.

“All pupils at the location are safe, and most have gone home. Officers remain at the school.

“A 15-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of attempt murder and is in police custody.”

Parents told The Herald they were alerted to the lockdown shortly after 3:00pm via messages and social media, with some describing staff and pupils being kept inside rooms for safety as a precaution.

The lockdown has since been lifted, but officers remain at the scene while enquiries continue.

There have been no reports of any injuries to pupils.

The Herald has also contacted Pembrokeshire County Council for further comment.

Photo caption: Police vehicles outside Ysgol Aberdaugleddau Milford Haven School following Tuesday afternoon’s incident (Pics: Herald).