NINE people have been arrested on suspicion of supplying class A drugs following police raids in Newport

A total of 54 officers, including specialist teams, carried out four simultaneous warrants in the Pill area at 1.15pm on Tuesday.

On Tuesday afternoon, a total of 54 officers, including specialist teams, carried out four simultaneous warrants in the Pill area.

The arrests came after members of the local community came forward with information concerning the supply of class A drugs.

Six men - aged 16, 17, 22, 25, 27 and 45 - and three women - aged 29, 40 and 43 - were arrested, with enquiries ongoing.

Superintendent Glyn Fernquest said: “This shows our ongoing and relentless approach to targeting those individuals and groups who are involved in drug supply and related anti-social behaviour in our communities and bringing them to justice . I hope this sends a message to those who are involved in the illegal supply of drugs that you will be caught and dealt with.”

Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent Jeff Cuthbert added: “I applaud the action of Gwent Police for these significant drug related arrests made in Newport today.

“I hope that this action shows that we will not tolerate criminality like this. At the same time I hope that it shows local people that we’re on their side when it comes to living peacefully and in settled law abiding communities.”