Over half a million pounds worth of drugs have been seized by police across South Wales following a week long operation.
Scores of officers from South Wales Police have been acting on information provided by members of public from the region’s communities and raided dozens of properties from Swansea to Cardiff and Barry to the Rhondda.
During Operation Atlas, 86 people were arrested and almost £115,000 cash was seized.
ANPR operations resulted in seizing seven cars and partnership work was undertaken with British Transport Police, DIP (Drugs Intervention Programme) and community safety partnerships. Railway stations, Cardiff Airport and main transport routes were also targeted.
After the houses were raided and arrests made PCSOs delivered leaflets to neighbouring homes and streets providing advice and reassurance to local householders.
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Hurley of the Specialist Crime Investigations Unit at South Wales Police, who headed Operation Atlas, said: “During the past week’s operation we have successfully disrupted many of those who have been suspected of dealing in drugs.
“Drugs are a source of misery and blight communities and the message is simple – they will not be tolerated.
“I want to reassure the public that these targeted, proactive operations will continue. Through tough enforcement and positive community engagement, we will strive to keep South Wales a safe environment for everyone to enjoy.
“These raids have led to dozens of suspects being arrested and drugs such as cannabis, amphetamine and heroin were seized and will be destroyed.
Police Community Support Officers patrolled the affected streets and delivered thousands of reassurance leaflets to neighbours.
DCI Hurley added: “Personal assets, suspected of being funded by criminal activities were also seized by officers under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Applications will now be made to confiscate these items and specialist investigators will begin to set about proving they have, in all probability, been funded through criminal activity.
“Drug dealers should know that there is no hiding place, we will seek you out and bring you to justice.”
Divisional Highlights
Western ( Swansea and Neath/ Port Talbot)
- 31 arrests, including 19 for possession with intent to supply drugs.
- Drugs, including heroin and amphetamine, recovered with a street value of £43,370.
- £2,400 cash and three cars seized.
- 65 cannabis plants found at a house in Skewen.
- 5,000 leaflets delivered to homes to advise residents of the policing operation.
- Street cleaners recover discarded needles.
- Support workers offering rehabilitation services to drug users.
Northern (RCT and Merthyr Tydfil)
- More than 20 properties raided.
- 10 arrests for drugs related offences.
- Drugs, including heroin and amphetamine and cannabis were recovered,
- Over £2000 cash seized
- 1000s of reassurance leaflets delivered to homes
Central (Bridgend and Vale of Glamorgan)
- 13 arrests for drugs offences.
- Value of drugs – including cocaine, heroin, cannabis and amphetamine removed from street – £52,700 including one seizure with an estimated street value of some £50,000
- Seven vehicles seized.
- Total cash seized £5100.
- One male arrested at Cardiff Airport on suspicion of money laundering – £1600 cash seizure.
- ANPR exercise – Barry.
- 1000s of reassurance leaflets delivered to homes.
Eastern (Cardiff)
- £450k Drugs recovered
- 36 homes searched
- £105k Cash seized
- £25k Stolen/Counterfeit Goods seized
- 4 Pit Bulls seized.
- A number of high-value mountain bikes recovered
- Around 400 addresses visited by community safety in Canton area and Crime Prevention Packs distributed
- Around 400 drug information leaflets provided to communities affected by raids.
