Crime

Fugitive drug dealing matriarch finally behind bars after 16 months on run

Published

2 years ago

September 17, 2024

A KEY figure in a major drug-dealing operation that stretched across Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, and Swansea has been captured and is now behind bars after 16 months on the run. Lynne Leyson, 51, was arrested on Sunday evening and appeared at Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday, where she was committed to prison to begin her nine-year sentence.

Leyson, alongside her husband Stephen and son Samson, ran a lucrative cocaine and cannabis network from their smallholding in Capel Dewi, near Carmarthen. Despite being convicted for her role in the operation, she went on the run in July 2023, skipping bail just before sentencing. Her husband and son were jailed in her absence.

The family’s criminal enterprise was exposed after a significant police operation, codenamed Operation Hilston, led to the discovery of large quantities of drugs and weapons at their property. Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police raided the compound in October 2021, seizing more than half a kilo of cocaine, 1.4kg of cannabis, and £17,000 in cash. The haul also included a semi-automatic pistol—the first of its kind ever seized by Dyfed-Powys Police.

The police operation linked the Leyson family’s drug distribution network to dealers operating in Pembrokeshire. One individual, going by the nickname Mr Pickles, was identified as a key player selling drugs for the family..

At trial, all three members of the Leyson family were convicted of conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs. Stephen Leyson, 55, was additionally convicted of possession of a firearm. In July, he was sentenced to 11 years in prison, while 22-year-old Samson Leyson was sentenced to six years. In September, Lynne Leyson was sentenced to nine years in her absence, with Judge Catherine Richards describing her as the “dominant force” in the drug enterprise.

Judge Richards noted that Lynne Leyson had played a leading role in directing the drug conspiracy from the farm, using her influence to control others involved in the operation.

Since going on the run, Leyson had travelled extensively across the UK, eluding police for more than a year. However, her return to the Dyfed-Powys Police area on Sunday led to her arrest. A 26-year-old woman was also arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender but has since been released on bail pending further inquiries.

Detective Chief Inspector Rhys Jones, who led the investigation, expressed his gratitude to the public for their assistance in locating Leyson. “This arrest shows our determination to find those who think they can evade justice. I would like to thank the public for their assistance and the officers for their dedication and persistence,” he said.

The Leyson family’s downfall marks the conclusion of a long-running investigation and a significant blow to organised crime in West Wales.

The police said that their operation has sent a clear message that drug-related crime in the Dyfed-Powys area will not be tolerated.

Crime

Scaffolder banned after cannabis smell reported from van

Published

16 hours ago

June 30, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A SCAFFOLDER has been banned from driving for 14 months after an off-duty police officer smelt cannabis coming from his Volkswagen Transporter as it travelled through Slebech.

The report was made to police at around 10.30am on February 15. When officers located the vehicle, they discovered it was being driven by 46-year-old Christopher Bennett.

Further blood tests showed Bennett had 16.8 mcg of Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol in his system. The legal limit is 2.

This week Bennett, of Queensdown Gardens, Brislington, Bristol, pleaded guilty to drug-driving when he appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates. He was represented in court by Alaw Harries.

“The defendant is remorseful for his actions and recognises the seriousness of the offence,” Ms Harries told the Bench.

“He suffers significant pain following operations to his shoulders and has been prescribed codeine. But this causes drowsiness, so he began self-medicating using cannabis.

“On the day of the offence, he was in worse pain than usual, so he used cannabis earlier than he normally does.”

Ms Harries said the conviction would have serious financial consequences for Bennett, who works as a self-employed scaffolder.

“His driving licence is fundamental to his livelihood,” she said.

“The financial consequences are going to be significant to him, as well as to those who are dependent on him.”

Magistrates fined Bennett £600 and ordered him to pay a £240 surcharge and £85 costs.

He was disqualified from driving for 14 months.

Crime

Estate agent banned after drug-drive crash in Milford Haven

Published

16 hours ago

June 30, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Alison Walker had nearly five times the legal benzoylecgonine limit in her system

A PEMBROKESHIRE estate agent has been banned from the road after admitting driving through Milford Haven with nearly five times the legal limit of a cocaine metabolite in her system.

Alison Walker, 59, was arrested on February 2 after her white MG was involved in a two-car collision on Great North Road, Milford Haven.

“Fortunately there were no injuries, just damage to the vehicles,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

After providing a positive roadside drug swipe, Walker was arrested and asked to provide blood samples. These showed she had 240mcg of benzoylecgonine in her system. The legal limit is 50mcg.

Walker, of Woodland Crescent, Milford Haven, pleaded guilty to drug-driving and was represented in court by solicitor Tom Lloyd.

He told the bench that prior to the offence, Walker had been employed as an estate agent.

“She has a good relationship with her boss, and as soon as this conviction is dealt with and her sentence has been served, he will be happy for her to return to her employment,” he said.

After considering a comprehensive probation report, magistrates disqualified Walker from driving for 20 months.

She was fined £80 and ordered to pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 costs. Walker must also carry out a 12-month community order, during which she must complete 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

Crime

Pembroke Dock motorist banned after driving with cocaine in system

Published

17 hours ago

June 30, 2026

Court Reporter

A PEMBROKE DOCK motorist has been banned from the roads after being caught driving with more than seven times the legal cocaine limit in her system.

Naomi Grant, 47, was stopped by police on the night of February 6 as she drove her Vauxhall Astra along the A477 near Pembroke Dock.

After providing a positive roadside drug swipe, Grant, of Cheriton Road, Pennar, Pembroke Dock, was taken for further tests.

Blood analysis showed she had 74mcg of cocaine in her system. The legal limit is 10mcg. She also had 1,200mcg of benzoylecgonine, a breakdown product of cocaine, where the legal limit is 50mcg.

This week Grant, who has no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to two charges of drug-driving when she appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates.

She was represented by solicitor Tom Lloyd, who told the court that his client is currently prescribed a considerable amount of medication for a number of medical issues.

“She also has her own personal assistant as a result of her medical needs,” he said.

“She has done everything that has been asked of her in relation to this offence and has engaged with the Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service to help her move forward.”

Magistrates disqualified Grant from driving for 12 months and fined her £120.

She must also pay £85 court costs and a £48 surcharge.