A long-running South Wales Police campaign to stamp out drug dealing in Cardiff has resulted in more prison sentences of almost 100 years.
Since Operation Michigan was launched in June 2009 to take heroin and crack cocaine dealers off the streets there have been four arrests phases and 35 people jailed for 98 ½ years.
Now a further 29 people have been sent to prison for 96 years.
Arrests have been continuing this week with two men being arrested in the Vale of Glamorgan after being caught selling drugs in the capital.
Superintendent Andy Davies, head of Operation Michigan, said: “This operation has no geographical borders or barriers – if someone is found to be dealing drugs on the streets of Cardiff then we will go after them.
“The South Wales Police Authority conducted a public consultation exercise and the public asked for officers to be more visible, to tackle anti social behaviour and to tackle drug dealing. Operation Michigan is all about responding to these demands and doing all we can to improve quality of life for people.”
There have been four arrests phases as part of the operation entitled Michigan, Fairmount, Versailles and Condor.
Those people arrested during Fairmount and Versailles have recently been sentenced for a total of 96 years.
In addition to these 29 people:
10 have received suspended sentences
6 are awaiting trial
3 are awaiting sentence
3 have been given community or referral orders
One man has been cautioned
And no further action was taken against one other.
But the action has not stopped there as in the last fortnight 13 more people have been arrested in Ely, Grangetown, Canton, Llanrumney, Tremorfa, Penarth and Barry as part of Condor.
Some drug dealers showed the creative lengths they would go to in their bid to conceal drugs with one man from Tremorfa customising underwear with a small Velcro patch to store drugs.
Despite his enthusiasm to keep his boxer shorts, officers found his hiding place and a quantity of what is believed to be class-A drugs.
The 40-year-old has been remanded in custody having been charged with possession of cocaine with intent to supply, supplying heroin and being concerned in the offer to supply heroin.
Supt Davies added: “The areas of Cardiff we have targeted have been determined by the information we receive from the public and I would urge people to continue supplying us with information because we will act upon it once it has been investigated thoroughly.
“There have been 4,411 less victims of crime in Cardiff compared to last year and I am confident that this has operation has gone someway in contributing to this overall decrease.
“But perhaps the most significant impact has been on the fewer number of drugs dealers out there and the way drug dealing is taking place.
“Before Operation Michigan, there was an open market in Roath and Cathays with drugs being bought on street corners but this intimidating street-level type dealing is not happening anymore which I hope is improving quality of life for the local community.
“We have seen other significant successes notably in Grangetown where we had a group of criminal emerging who thought they were untouchable. This group has now been dismantled as a result of key arrests and subsequent prison sentences.”
Anyone with information about drug dealing can give information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or by speaking to their local officer whose details can be found on www.ourbobby.com
