CARMARTHEN, UK — Lynne Leyson, 53, has been arrested after 16 months on the run following her conviction in May 2023 for her involvement in a drug trafficking operation. Leyson had been found guilty of conspiracy to supply cocaine, conspiracy to supply cannabis, and possessing criminal property at Swansea Crown Court.
She failed to appear at her sentencing hearing on July 21, 2023, and was sentenced to nine years in prison in her absence on September 15, 2023.
Dyfed-Powys Police arrested Leyson on Monday at Pibwr Farm in Carmarthen after she returned to the area on Sunday evening. Leyson had been one of six individuals arrested in October 2021 following a raid at the farm, where officers found 592g of cocaine, 1.4kg of cannabis, £17,190 in cash, and a semi-automatic pistol.
Leyson’s family members, including her husband Stephen Leyson, 56, and son Samson Leyson, 25, were also sentenced for drug trafficking crimes in July 2023. Stephen received 11 years for possession of a firearm and conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs, while Samson was sentenced to six years for conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis. Several associates, including Richie Coleman and Emma Calver-Roberts, were also sentenced for similar crimes.
Detective Chief Inspector Rhys Jones, who led the search for Leyson, praised the persistence and dedication of officers in bringing her to justice. He emphasized that this arrest sends a strong message about Dyfed-Powys Police’s commitment to tackling organised crime in the region.
Leyson’s 16-month evasion was supported by a wanted appeal and a Crimewatch feature, which ultimately led to tips from the public. A 26-year-old woman was also arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and has been released on bail pending further investigation.
