340 ARRESTS IN WAR ON DRUG GANGS
Police reveal scale of 12-month operation across bay
MORE than 340 people have been arrested in Swansea Bay in the past 12 months as part of a major police operation to target out-oftown gangs trafficking drugs into the area, and drugs with a street value of £450,000 were seized.
MORE than 340 people have been arrested in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot in the past 12 months as part of a major police operation to target out-of-town gangs trafficking drugs into the area.
South Wales Police’s Operation Newry was set up to combat what is known as County Lines dealing, where organised criminal gangs from big English cities extend the networks into smaller cities and towns.
The big three sources of such criminality in South Wales are Liverpool, Birmingham, and London.
Police said that in the last year officers had arrested 344 people suspected of being involved in the gangs, seized drugs with a street value of £450,000, and recovered 45 weapons. Some £75,000 in cash has also been seized.
Prison sentences totalling more than 215 years have so far been handed down, with more prosecutions in the pipeline.
Detective superintendent Gareth Morgan said the force remained committed to ensuring Swansea, Neath and Port Talbot were a “hostile environment” for the gangs to operate in.
He said: “These figures represent the excellent work and proactivity that takes place within the Swansea and Neath Port Talbot areas to target those involved in drug supply who cause misery to individuals, families and communities.
“Disruption of the drug dealing and enforcement remains central to tackling county lines criminality with the ultimate aim to make South Wales a hostile environment for organised crime groups, preventing all forms of harm associated with these gangs.
“We are also working together with partner agencies to identify and protect the vulnerable people that urban gangs are exploiting to extend their drug dealing enterprise.
“These individuals care for no one other than themselves and do not care about the misery they inflict on others, even those they class as friends and family. Their sole purpose is to make money and protect themselves.”
He added: “We all have a role to play in keeping our local areas safe from drug dealing, and associated gang exploitation and violence and I urge the community to support us in eradicating this problem.
“If you suspect drug dealing is taking place or you are concerned that a young person or vulnerable adult may have been targeted by an organised crime group, please tell us. You don’t have to be certain, just concerned.” ■ Can you help? Call South Wales Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111