Operation Shock leads to arrest and vehicle seizures

Gwent Police carried out the action in Blaenau Gwent as part of Operation Shock, an ongoing campaign using intelligence-led patrols to tackle issues including drug driving, uninsured vehicles, and weapons offences.

During the operation, officers seized off-road bikes and an uninsured van, and arrested a driver on suspicion of drug driving after a positive roadside test.

Four stop searches were carried out, which saw cannabis and a bladed article taken off the streets.

A spokesperson for Gwent Police said: "Operation Shock was in full swing across Blaenau Gwent [on Sunday, September 13].

"Following intelligence-led, targeted patrols, the team took positive action against off-road bikes and those involved in dangerous and illegal activity.

"Here’s just some of what our officers from Blaenau Gwent Neighbourhood team and Roads Specialist operations achieved today.

"Off-road bikes targeted and seized, with an uninsured van also seized.

"A driver arrested on suspicion of drug driving after testing positive at the roadside.

"Four stop searches conducted; cannabis seized [and a] bladed article taken off the streets".

Neighbourhood officers also reported a driver for having no insurance, conducted an additional stop and search, and dealt with another driver for licence offences.

An out-of-court resolution was issued in relation to an incident that had occurred earlier that same day.

The spokesperson continued: "Our Neighbourhood Team were also busy, with further stops resulting in: a driver reported for having no insurance; a further stop and search; a driver dealt with for being otherwise than in accordance with their licence; and an out-of-court resolution issued in relation to an incident that had occurred earlier that same day".

Gwent Police have emphasised that Operation Shock is not a one-day operation and that similar action will continue.

The spokesperson explained: "This is Operation Shock. 

"We are using intelligence, targeted patrols and proactive policing to tackle the issues that matter to our communities [including] illegal off-road bikes, drug driving, uninsured vehicles, weapons, drugs and anti-social and dangerous behaviour".

Members of the public are warned that if they "choose to engage in this type of activity", they will be stopped and "dealt with". 

The spokesperson continued: "If you choose to engage in this type of activity, expect to be stopped, searched and dealt with.

"And to our communities: keep the information coming. Your reports and intelligence help us put officers in the right places and take action against those causing harm and disruption.

"Operation Shock is not a one-day operation. We will keep targeting it [and] we will keep taking action".