NEWPORT saw 11 properties raided as Gwent Police launched an operation to dismantle organised crime in the city.
Gwent Police have said that the yesterday morning’s action was merely the start, with many more high profile raids due to be carried out as part of Operation Finch.
More than 120 Gwent Police officers, together with regional organised crime unit Tarian, carried out early morning raids at properties throughout Newport.
Raids were carried out in Lliswerry, Maindee and Alway. The raids took place to combat “serious and organised” drug trafficking in the city.
Teams involved in the raids also included specialist ‘entry and search’ trained officers, along with officers from the dog section and criminal investigation teams.
The raids saw high value goods seized including cars, clothing, electrical goods, cash and what is believed to be Class A drugs.
The operation saw 14 people arrested – 10 men and two women - on suspicion of conspiracy to supply controlled drugs and 23-year-old and 25-year-old men both arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.
They are all currently in police custody and investigations are now ongoing.
A resident on Jenkins Street witnessed one of the raids yesterday.
She said: “I saw loads of officers early in the morning.
“I was woken up by a lot of banging.
“I felt shook up. I have never seen something like that before.”
Superintendent for the Newport area Ian Roberts, who is also divisional commander, said the raids were part of a “much longer” programme aimed at dismantling drug trafficking.
“The raids were the culmination of weeks of planning,” he said.
“This is the start of a longer programme for stopping drug use and trafficking in Newport.
“There will be more actions of this kind and increased police in Newport.”
Earlier this morning, Gwent Police tweeted this:
You may have seen a heavy police presence in #Newport… 120 specialist officers are involved in 11 raids which are currently taking place across the City in relation to the most serious and organised crime in Gwent #crossedtheline #eyesonyou #OpFinch pic.twitter.com/Ywm1Z6MA6Y
— Gwent Police (@gwentpolice) June 14, 2018
WATCH: Update from Superintendent Ian Roberts @gpsuptroberts following this mornings raids in Newport #OpFinch #Newport pic.twitter.com/5vWnfBHnev
— Gwent Police (@gwentpolice) June 14, 2018
One of the many rapid entry drug warrants that's were conducted this morning in relation to #OpFinch. @gpasueast and @GPASUWest assisting with method of entry. pic.twitter.com/xOggBnx6Tc
— Area Support East (@gpasueast) June 14, 2018
UPDATE: 11 Serious And Organised crime raids across Newport results in 13 arrests... https://t.co/ppiqzo1ql9 #Newport #OpFinch pic.twitter.com/1g3wZQZLFE
— Gwent Police (@gwentpolice) June 14, 2018
Argus reporter Tomos Povey is at one of the raided houses in Jenkins Street.
He said: “There is one police van with about four officers.
“They’re parked outside the house.
“Workmen have just finished covering up the door.”
One resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “I saw loads of officers early this morning.
“I was woken up by a lot of banging.
“I felt shook up. I have never seen something like that before.”
Officers leaving the house. Visit link https://t.co/xKrDU1Pt5n pic.twitter.com/3vxgAlP79K
— Tomos Povey (@ArgusTomosPovey) June 14, 2018
Numerous items seized during the warrants, including vehicles. #OpFinch pic.twitter.com/OiRfHMI1eP
— Area Support East (@gpasueast) June 14, 2018
Here are some pictures from the scene:
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