Kidwelly man charged after 47 drugs runs to Newport in two months

A man has been charged after police discovered he was doing drug runs less than a day after being released from custody.

Aled Wyn Samuel was found driving to Newport to pick up heroin while under investigation by Dyfed-Powys Police.

In two months, he has carried out 47 journeys and bought heroin worth over £130,000 to Carmarthenshire.

Earlier this year, Dyfed-Powys Police identified that the 50-year-old, of Parc Pendre in Kidwelly, was travelling frequently to the Newport area and buying heroin for onward supply in Carmarthenshire.

He was stopped by officers in Carmarthen on May 5, and a large quantity of heroin was recovered. Due to COVID-19 guidance around remand applications, he was released while further enquiries were carried out.

Following his release, detectives – with the support of the Force Intelligence Bureau – soon found out that the 50-year-old had access to another vehicle.

On Tuesday, May 19, with the assistance of roads policing officers, Samuel was stopped driving the new car in Hendy, and just over 12g of heroin was seized.

Investigations showed the car had been driven to Newport, Gwent, five times since the first arrest, with the first journey taking place less than 24 hours of Samuel being released from custody.

Detective Sergeant Andrew Clatworthy said: “Evidence indicates that Samuel has done over 40 runs to Newport, collecting approximately an ounce of heroin on each occasion. This is in excess of 1,000 grams, valued at £133,000.

“Excellent cross-department work has been carried out here, with a large amount of heroin seized before it made in onto the streets of Carmarthenshire.

“We will continue to be proactive and target individuals concerned in the supply of drugs.”

Samuel has been charged with two counts of possession with intent to supply, and being concerned in the supply of heroin. He has admitted the offences, and has been remanded in custody to appear at Swansea Crown Court for sentencing on June 3.