Drugs raids net haul of weapons

A PITBULL dog, CS spray and a baton are among the “weapons” seized by police in drugs raids across Swansea and Neath.

Officers targeted 18 properties in a series of co-ordinated swoops as part of an operation against the “county lines” phenomenon.

“County lines” sees organised gangs from big cities extending their operations into smaller towns and cities away from their core area by using a network of local dealers and trusted couriers.

Some 21 people have been arrested in connection with alleged offences including possession of Class A, B and C drugs, possession of a firearm or offensive weapon, drug-driving, burglary and possession of a prohibited dog.

The raids were at properties in areas including Morriston, Penlan, Hafod, Swansea city centre, Clydach and Neath over the last fortnight – with more expected in the coming days.

A spokeswoman for South Wales Police in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot said: “Officers from the priority policing and neighbourhood policing teams have raided 18 addresses.

“Among the evidence seized are large quantities of heroin, cocaine, diazepam and cannabis – including 60 plants found at one address – weapons including CS spray, a hammer and a baton, and a pitbull dog.”

Police said four of the 21 arrested had so far been charged in connection with the raids, two had been reported for summons, three were currently in custody and the remainder had been released under investigation.