Neath Port Talbot Council successfully prosecuted those involved in the incident.
The defendants were sentenced at Swansea Magistrates’ Court on 21 May 2026 following an investigation into waste that had been fly-tipped on land owned by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) in Rheola forestry near Resolven.
The court also ordered the forfeiture of the tipper vehicle used in the offence to Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council. The authority is now assessing the condition of the vehicle and considering its future, which could include being crushed.
Neath Port Talbot Council said the case demonstrates the consequences for all those involved in illegal waste disposal, regardless of the extent of their participation.
Councillor Scott Jones, cabinet member for Streetscene at Neath Port Talbot Council, said: “We have beautiful areas of forestry and countryside throughout the Neath Port Talbot County and people should be able to enjoy it responsibly without encountering dangerous deposits like this.
“We hope this sends a strong message that regardless of how minor you think your role is in the illegal disposal of waste, you will still be held responsible.”
Cannabis farm waste discovered
The prosecution followed the discovery of waste from a dismantled cannabis cultivation operation that had been illegally deposited within Rheola forestry.
Natural Resources Wales officers examining the waste found correspondence among the material, helping investigators identify those involved. The subsequent investigation relied on a combination of documentary evidence, CCTV footage, witness accounts and extensive interviews.
James Roseblade, Land Management Senior Officer for Natural Resources Wales, added: “Illegal waste disposal continues to be a serious and unacceptable blight on our communities, our environment, and our economy. Tackling this activity and bringing perpetrators to account remains one of our highest priorities.
“We welcome the court’s decision in this case and hope it sends a clear message that waste-related crime will not be tolerated and will be punished and Natural Resources Wales and its partners will continue to take appropriate enforcement action against those who break the law.”
The evidence ultimately led to the successful prosecution of five individuals.
Guilty pleas and trial
At an earlier hearing before Swansea Magistrates’ Court in February 2026, four defendants entered guilty pleas.
Ian Jenkins pleaded guilty to breaching his duty of care by failing to ensure waste was disposed of lawfully.
Stephen Powell pleaded guilty as the person in control of the vehicle used to unlawfully deposit controlled waste.
Keiron Powell and Darcy Thomas both pleaded guilty to unlawfully depositing controlled waste and transporting waste without a waste carrier’s licence.
Anthony Jones and another man denied the charges and were listed for trial.
The trial took place on 21 May 2026. Jones was found guilty of failing to ensure that waste was disposed of lawfully, while the second defendant was acquitted.
Register for free to comment