Led by Wales’ Regional Organised Crime Unit, Tarian, the anti-drugs operation resulted in a number of arrests, with nine people appearing in court charged with drugs supply offences.
The charges follow a large seizure of what is believed to be heroin estimated to be worth several million pounds. Officers also recovered a substantial amount of cash as part of the operation.
The arrests were made after a number of warrants were executed in Cardiff and Newport as well as vehicles stopped by police on the M5 motorway. Police officers from South Wales and Gwent police forces have been acting on information provided by members of public from the regions’ communities, as part of a proactive investigation into the supply of heroin into south east Wales.
Detective Chief Inspector Lian Penhale of Regional Organised Crime Unit, said:
“We believe the past week’s arrests have successfully disrupted many of those who have been suspected of dealing in drugs.
“Drugs are a source of misery and blight communities. Our message is simple – this will not be tolerated.
“Tarian consists of staff from Gwent, South Wales and Dyfed Powys Police and is supported by the Welsh Assembly Government . Tarian is part of the Southern Wales response to combating Serious and Organised Crime and is committed to protecting the communities in Southern Wales from the misery and harm caused by the distribution and supply of drugs. I want to reassure the public that these proactive operations will continue. Through tough enforcement and positive community engagement, we will strive to keep our communities safe environments for everyone to enjoy.”
Nicola Rees, Senior Crown Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service Wales Complex Casework Unit, said:
“The CPS has been working closely with officers from the Regional Organised Crime Unit as this investigation into the supply of Class A drugs in South Wales has developed.
“We have now reviewed evidence relating to a number of individuals identified through the investigation. In accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors, we concluded that there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest to charge nine individuals with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.
They are:
Mohammed Sajjad, 36, from Gabalfa.
Umar Butt, 24, from Grangetown.
Khalid Yassen, 28, from Roath.
Paul Anthony Thomas, 40, from Llanrumney
Tracey Marie Spriggs, 37, from Llanrumney
Imtiaz Ali, 33, from Newport.
Waseem Mohammed Riaz 26, from Newport
Mohammed Aftab Boota 25,from Newport
Shazia Tahir Ahmed 35, from Newport
