GWENT Police have successfully taken hundreds of weapons off the street in just a week.

During a week of operations throughout Gwent, 104 knives have been taken off our streets, 191 people acting suspiciously were stopped and searched, and twelve arrests were made.

As part of Operation Sceptre - a national campaign that aims to educate people about the dangers associated with using and carrying knives - amnesty bins for weapons were put in police stations.

Many of the knives were surrendered to these bins, with other blades seized during proactive arrests.

One man, in Newport, was stopped and searched, with officers finding several locking knives, throwing stars, axes, and machetes.

The weapons have been seized, and the man has been released under investigation.

Another patrol, in the Rugby Road area of Newport, led to the discovery of a large cannabis cultivation, believed to be worth tens of thousands of pounds.

Officers also found cash, apparatus, and drug paraphernalia. The man has been released under investigation.

Operational Support, Superintendent Glyn Fernquest who led the operation for Gwent said: “We’ve had some fantastic results, this week of action may have finished however, our work has only just started.

"We will continue with activity and enforcement, as well as engagement and education to ensure we have a fully comprehensive approach to tackle this criminality.

"The results we have seen across Gwent have been very encouraging along with the support from our communities.

"The dedication of our officers and staff throughout this operation has been outstanding, and I want to thank them for their efforts.

"If you carry a knife, whether for so-called ‘self-defence’ or for ‘status’ please be assured we will stop you, we will search you and we will seize the weapon and deal with you proportionately through the criminal justice system.

"For every knife handed in or seized is another off our streets that could potentially cause harm or even take a life.”

It is a criminal offence to sell blades to anyone under the age of 18, and police cadets put this to the test by trying to purchase knives from 23 stores in Gwent.

Six shops failed, selling a blade to the underage volunteer, and they have been advised of additional requirements for training at the point of sale, as selling to under 18s can result in up to six months in prison and a fine.

Operation Sceptre might have finished for now, but there are still amnesty bins in place at police stations in Gwent, where you can dispose of bladed articles.

If you hold any information about individuals involved in knife crime or have any concerns, please call police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

In an emergency always dial 999.