Police arrest 19 and seize weapons in dramatic drug raids

A video has shown how police in north Wales have raided properties across Gwynedd in an operation to disrupt drug supply. North Wales Police and Merseyside Police made 19 arrests and seized five weapons as they swooped in Llanberis, Bangor and Caernarfon in Operation Hessite.

The officers executed warrants between November 12 and November 14 but the details were only released on Wednesday, November 20. North Wales Police said the operation "came following intelligence about drug supply and distribution across Gwynedd".

Over the three days, officers executed four warrants under the Misuse of Drugs Act and conducted over 20 stop searches which led to 19 people being arrested on suspicion of offences including theft, possession of weapons and drugs, reports North Wales Live. Five weapons and a large quantity of suspected drugs and cash were also seized during the warrants. For the latest Welsh news delivered to your inbox sign up to our newsletter.

The force said following the arrests one man has been recalled to prison, one man was charged for possessing an offensive weapon and one man charged with possession of Class A drugs. Temporary District Inspector Andrew Davies of North Wales Police said: "Pursuing those who bring drugs into our communities continues to be a priority.

"Drug supply leads to criminal activity, especially serious and violent crime, which causes misery and fear for residents. "We will continue to act on intelligence provided to us to disrupt the supply of drugs to the area. This information plays a vital part in identifying individuals and putting them before the courts."

Anyone with information about drugs in their area should contact police via NWP's website, by calling 101, or by reporting anonymously to Crimestoppers.

Join the WalesOnline WhatsApp community

WalesOnline has launched a new breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community. From the biggest court stories to the latest traffic updates, weather warnings and breaking news, it's a simple way to stay up to date with what's happening in Wales.

Want to join? All you have to do is click on this link, select 'Join Community' and you're in. We will not spam your feed with constant messages, but you will receive updates from us daily.

If for some reason you decide you no longer want to be in our community, you can leave by clicking on the name at the top of your screen and clicking 'Exit Group'. We occasionally treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can read our Privacy Notice here.

Join our WhatsApp community here