Dyfed-Powys Police is coming down hard on drug dealers living in Powys and those crossing the Powys border to supply illegal drugs to communities.
A targeted operation has been running for a week involving teams from roads policing, offender management, response and neighbourhood policing to tackle this issue.
Using intelligence gathered from community concerns, monitoring of police systems and analysis of criminal activity, officers have been carrying out targeted stop searches of vehicles and people suspected of being involved in the transportation, supply and use of drugs.
Activity has included: searching cars and individuals resulting in arrests; vehicles and drugs subsequently being seized and taking enforcement action regarding vehicle defects and other traffic offences. To date the operation has resulted in the arrest of 16 people with a number of others being subject to voluntary interviews. A number of search warrants have been carried out and more than 50 intelligence led stop-searches carried out.
Inspector Andrew Pitt has been leading the operation for Powys division of Dyfed-Powys Police. He said: “Drug suppliers seem to think they are safe to cross the border into Powys and target drug users and some of the more vulnerable members of our community, supplying them with illegal substances and taking advantage of their vulnerability.
“Op Cleopatra is coming down hard on criminals in our area, disrupting their activity and drug supply as much as possible for the good of our local communities in Powys.
“We are not a soft touch: we are continuously gathering intelligence and we will continue with this approach to keep travelling criminals out and prosecute offences.
“I would urge any members of the public who believe drug dealing or cultivating is taking place in their community to report their concerns to the police. Signs of drug dealing could be: permanently closed curtains; comings and goings of strangers from a property; or someone living beyond their means with expensive cars, jewellery or lots of cash amongst other indicators.”
To report drug taking or dealing in the community contact Dyfed-Powys Police.
To report an incident after it has happened call the non-emergency number 101 or email contactcentre@dyfed-powys.pnn.police.uk.
To report drugs activity as it is happening, call 999 for an immediate response to the scene.
Information can also be passed on anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Operation Highlights to Date:
1. On Monday, January 29, police stopped a car in Newtown. One man made off and the other two occupants were detained for the purposes of a Section 23 Misuse of Drugs Act. After a search, one was released as no drugs were found. A small quantity of crack cocaine was found on the other. They were arrested and later released under investigation.
2. On Tuesday, January 30, officers from roads policing, firearms and the Offender Management Unit carried out a pre-planned operation, during which they stopped a vehicle on the A40 by-pass at Brecon. A 14-year-old boy and a 45-year-old man from Merthyr Tydfil were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A drugs. Around £2,000 cash was recovered from the car during the search. The car was also examined by roads policing officers and due to numerous defects, the car requires a full MOT before driving again. Both were released under investigation.
3. On Thursday, February 1, a Misuse of Drugs Act warrant was executed at a Finch Court property in Llandrindod Wells. A quantity of white powder, cannabis and mobile phones were seized. A 54-year-old woman and a 38-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of supply of class A drugs. Both have been released under investigation.
4. On Monday, February 5, a 52-year-old man from Llandrindod Wells was arrested on suspicion of burglary. The offence took place at a property at Fair View on December 21, 2017 and a quantity of tools were stolen. He’s been released under investigation.
5. On Tuesday, February 6, stop searches were carried out and Jason Pryce, aged 32, of Three Cocks, Brecon, was arrested and subsequently charged with possession of cannabis. He will appear at Llandrindod Wells Magistrates’ Courts on Wednesday, February 21.
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