Leighton Arches gang convicted for drugs operation

Members of a drugs gang based in Leighton Arches have been convicted of bringing hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of heroin, cocaine and cannabis into Powys.

Daniel Seyffert, aged 39, of High Street, Presteigne and Lee Husbands, aged 22, of Bowling Green Lane, Knighton, were found guilty of conspiracy to supply class A and B drugs following trial at Caernarfon Crown Court on Friday.

The jury was unable to return a verdict on a third defendant Lucy Lloyd, aged 34, of Heyope, Knighton.

Martin John Gallagher, aged 35, Michael Power, aged 20, both of Leighton Arches, Welshpool, pleading guilty at the start of the trial.

A further eight  - Patrick David Stokes, aged 33, of Leighton Arches, Leighton, Welshpool; John Paul Power, aged 26, of Leighton Arches, Welshpool; Sheldon Terrence Kay, aged 24, of Station Road, Knighton; Kane Glyn Bastable, aged 24, of Clarence Road, Wolverhampton; Kuldeep Sahota, aged 35,  of Broad Lanes, Wolverhampton; Gavin Andrew Tony Warley, aged 29, of Fourth Avenue, Wolverhampton; Joshua Large, aged 23, of Brook Close, Coven; and Kristian Rigby, aged 28, of Radnor Drive, Knighton – all pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing.

The county lines drug operation involved bringing large quantities of cocaine and heroin from the Wolverhampton area into the Leighton Arches site for distribution to Welshpool, Newtown, Knighton and other Powys towns over a number of months.

During the execution of a warrant at the Leighton Arches travellers’ site on Monday, June 21, 2021, a major Dyfed-Powys Police operation involving 80 officers, uncovered a significant amount of drugs.

DI Richard Lewis said a lot of hard work had gone into the investigation, with his officers able to prove the movements of the OCG proving critical to securing a far-reaching prosecution.

“We welcome the conviction and sentencing of people who have been involved in bringing drugs into our communities,” he said.

“A lot of work has gone into proving the extent of this operation so I would like to thank everyone involved in securing these convictions.

“Removing this OCG will have wider impact on the community than simply removing a drugs theat. The associated antisocial behaviour, fear and threats that associate this type of activity will be far reaching.

“These convictions show that dealing drugs is not worth it. not only will we seek to bring you to justice for these offences but we will seek to recoup any money or assets that you have profited from as a result of your criminal activity.”

Chief Insp Jacqui Lovatt said: “The drugs activities and associated anti-social behaviour of these individuals significantly impacted upon the Powys Community, including the quality of life for local businesses and residents.

“This result will not only have a positive impact on the community in removing the threat posed by these individuals but will also send a strong message to anybody concerned in the supply of drugs across Powys and that it won’t be tolerated. 

“I would like to reassure the public that we will continue to act on all concerns over drugs use and abuse.” 

Sentencing will take place at a later date.