Wales’ Family drug ring boss finally caught after 16 Months on the Run

After 16 months on the run, Lynne Leyson, the head of a family-run drug dealing business, is now behind bars, beginning her nine-year jail sentence. Leyson, who skipped bail after being convicted of her role in a significant cocaine and cannabis trafficking operation, was arrested on Sunday evening and appeared in Swansea Crown Court on September 17.

Leyson, along with her husband Stephen and their son Samson, had been operating a criminal network from their rural smallholding in Capel Dewi, Carmarthenshire. The family business supplied large quantities of cocaine and cannabis throughout Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, and Swansea. During a police raid in October 2021, authorities discovered over half a kilo of cocaine with a street value of up to £60,200, 1.4kg of cannabis worth approximately £15,600, and more than £17,000 in cash. They also seized a semi-automatic pistol—an Italian “Kimar 85 Auto” 9mm weapon—belonging to Stephen Leyson, marking the first time such a firearm had been confiscated in the Dyfed-Powys Police area.

The police operation, codenamed Operation Hilston, uncovered two additional dealers in Pembrokeshire working for the family, including one nicknamed “Mr. Pickles.” In July 2023, Stephen Leyson was sentenced to 11 years in prison, while their son Samson received a six-year sentence. However, Lynne evaded justice, disappearing before her sentencing.

In her absence, the court sentenced her to nine years in prison, with Judge Catherine Richards stating that she was the “dominant force” behind the operation, directing events and controlling individuals from the farm. The police launched a nationwide search, enlisting significant investigative resources, a UK-wide appeal, and a feature on Crimewatch.

Detective Chief Inspector Rhys Jones, who led the search, praised the public’s support in bringing Leyson to justice. “The arrest shows our determination to find those who think they can evade justice,” he said, emphasizing that organized crime groups in the area would not be tolerated.

Leyson’s arrest marks the conclusion of a manhunt that spanned the UK, with police revealing that she had traveled extensively during her time on the run. A 26-year-old woman was also arrested on suspicion of assisting Leyson but has been released on bail pending further inquiries.

With Leyson now behind bars, Dyfed-Powys Police have successfully dismantled one of the region’s most significant drug rings, sending a clear message that justice will be served, no matter how long it takes.