22 people arrested in County Lines Operation

22 people were arrested during an intensive operation targeting drug dealers across Swansea, Neath and Port Talbot

The operation consisted of increased patrols by plain clothes officers and saw seven warrants being executed and Class A drugs being taken off our streets include 1.8kg of suspected cocaine, 200g of heroin, tasers and nearly £11,000 of cash was also seized. Suspected crack cocaine and heroin with a street value of around £30,000 was also recovered from an address in Clydach.

13 of those arrested have already been charged with offences – they include:

• A 47-year-old woman charged with being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs and a 17-year-old male youth charged with two counts of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs following a warrant in Sketty
• A 54-year-old and 22-year old men charged with possession with intent to supply class A drugs, acquire or use of criminal property and charges relating to the possession of tasers and an airgun after a warrant in the Brynhyfryd area
• A 40 year old man charged after he failed to stop for police officers and then used his vehicle to ram the police cars. He was charged with a possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, a number of driving offences and four charges of assault of an emergency worker. A 30-year-old woman was also charged with possession with intent to supply

Detective Sergeant Andrew Price, of the force intelligence organised crime unit, said “Every day South Wales Police are taking action to tackle the misery drugs cause to our communities. The intensive operation combined the knowledge and skills of several departments within the organisation to particularly target county lines dealers.

“It’s important to stress we all have a role to play in keeping our local areas safe from drug dealing, the 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.

“Call us on 101 or if you prefer you can contact Crimestoppers to report anonymously – online or by calling 0800 555 111. If someone is in immediate danger or a crime is taking place you should always dial 999.”