Eight people have been arrested after police broke up an illegal rave involving around 120 people in a Welsh forest. Dyfed-Powys Police were called to Halfway Forest, Llandovery, on Sunday, March 19, at around 6:45am.
Following a report, two officers went to the Natural Resources Wales-owned woodland and, with the use of a drone, were able to pinpoint the location, including information that 70 vehicles were in the area.
Eight people were arrested for a variety of offences including possession with intent to supply controlled drugs and driving offences, with a related search at a property in the Gloucestershire area leading to the discovery of around 100 grammes of cocaine. Two of those arrested in connection with the incident were charged and remanded to Llanelli Magistrates Court on Monday morning. You can get more Carmarthenshire news and other story updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletters here.
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One of those arrested was Leigh Papps, aged 34, of Greenfield Road, Joys Green, Lydbrook, who was charged with criminal damage. Papps was fined £16, ordered to pay £85 court costs and a victim surcharge of £40. A second man was given conditional bail, a further three arrested have been released under investigation with the final three issued with adult community resolutions.
Inspector Dawn Fencott-Price said: “We know raves can cause anxiety to the community they are held in, and if not dealt with swiftly are difficult to stop due to the sheer numbers of people involved. As a force, action is taken as soon as we gather any intelligence of an event being planned. We will continue to respond swiftly to reports of illegal gatherings, and where appropriate will prosecute those responsible in order to protect our communities.
“However, these types of illegal events are carefully co-ordinated to avoid police attention, and organisers will always try to find new ways to avoid being found out. We rely on the support of communities to report any suspicious activity immediately, so action can be taken to disrupt illegal gatherings swiftly.
“I would encourage farmers, landowners and local communities to report anything they feel is suspicious or out of the ordinary either online at: http://bit.ly/DPPReportOnline, or by email at: contactcentre@dyfed-powys.pnn.police.uk, or by calling 101.”
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