Welshpool, Newtown arrests after drugs raids

Nine people have been arrested as part of an operation led by West Mercia Police targeting serious and organised crime across Shropshire and Powys.

Working in partnership with Dyfed-Powys Police, 14 warrants were carried out on Wednesday following a nine-month investigation by the force’s Serious Organised Crime Unit into organised crime across the county and mid-Wales.

The warrants targeted addresses in Shrewsbury, Pontesbury, Newtown and Welshpool where five men, aged 22, 25, 33, 37 and 39, were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to produce a controlled drug, money laundering and participating in the activities of an organised crime group.

A 42-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of the same offences, as well as assisting unlawful immigration and human trafficking.

While a man, aged 58, and a woman, aged 65, were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to produce a controlled drug and money laundering, and a 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of participating in the activities of an organised crime group.

All nine have been released on police bail as enquiries continue.

Working with Dyfed-Powys Police, officers discovered four cannabis farms with a total of 300 plants and 15kg of cannabis that was prepared for street-level supply. Officers also seized £20,000 in cash and 16 vehicles all believed to be linked to drugs supply.

Detective Inspector Steve Lloyd, from the force’s Serious Organised Crime Unit, said: “This operation is the result of a lengthy and complex investigation into serious and organised criminality operating across Shropshire and mid-Wales.

“The warrants carried out yesterday demonstrate our commitment to disrupting organised crime groups who seek to profit from the supply and production of illegal drugs and the harm they bring to our communities.

“During the operation officers recovered a significant quantity of cannabis, cash and vehicles believed to be linked to criminal activity and uncovered four cannabis grows containing around 300 plants.

“Serious and organised crime often extends beyond drug production and supply and can involve offences such as money laundering, exploitation, and human trafficking. We will continue to work tirelessly to identify, target and dismantle those involved.

“I would like to thank the officers and Dyfed-Powys Police involved in this operation and reassure the public that our enquiries are ongoing. Anyone with information about drug-related or organised criminal activity in their community is encouraged to report it to us.”