POLICE in Pontypool fined four people and arrested another after five drugs raids in the town.

Officers hit five targets in Trevethin, Penygarn and Pontnewynydd after getting tip-offs from people living in the three areas.

The homes were targeted in the last two weeks of January and around 20 officers were involved in the raids.

Cannabis and amphetamines were found at each of the addresses, resulting in two men and two women being issued with £80 fines for possession of Class B drugs. Another man was given a caution for the same offence.

A fourth man was arrested for drug cultivation and possession with intent to supply and was bailed pending further inquiries.

Sgt Mike Pheasant, of Pontypool neighbourhood policing team, said: “We took swift action after receiving information from the community and we want people to be assured that if they have concerns about a problem, and they tell us, we will deal with it.

“Drugs ruin lives and cause disharmony in communities.

We will take strong action against anyone who uses or deals drugs in this area.”

Anyone with information on drug crime in their area can call Gwent Police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.