Seventeen jailed for drugs offences

A MASSIVE drugs operation that saw 250 police officers raid 14 addresses and make dozens of arrests has seen 17 men jailed.

They were all jailed for various Class A drug offences when they appeared at Newport Crown Court on Friday.

They were sentenced after Gwent Police officers ran the second stage of Operation Jewels – the force’s largest policing operation – on April 26.

That saw more than 250 officers search 14 addresses – seizing cash, Class A substances, and drugs paraphernalia – and arrest 32 people.

Chief Superintendent Marc Budden, who led the raids, said after the sentencing hearing: “I’d like to thank members of the public for their help and support in providing us with information to assist us to undertake such large-scale action for the second time.

“I’d also like to thank our partners who assisted us with the planning and enforcement of the warrants, including Newport Housing and Gwent Drug and Alcohol Service.

“Those who deal in the supply and distribution of Class A drugs don’t care about the impact it has on our communities here.

“I would like to reassure our local residents that we are committed to tackling the supply of illegal drugs and we will continue to proactively stop criminals who profit from other people’s misery.

“The sentences passed down today show our continual efforts to bring justice upon those who commit these crimes.

“We understand these individuals have impacted intrusively on the lives of those who live in Newport and we hope today will offer some comfort and justice.

“The length of these sentences only proves those who consider a life of crime will pay.

“The support and positive reaction from our local community as a result of this action has been overwhelming.

“We’d like to encourage our communities to continue to work with us to target drug-dealing and other crime a by calling us in confidence on 101or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.’’