Police have announced the arrest of 32 drug drivers after an operation in mid Wales using new-style testing kits.

Dyfed-Powys Police undertook a two-month trial which saw drug swipe kits given to response officers – allowing them to test drivers for traces of drugs at collisions and during intelligence-led vehicle stops.

The trial, named Operation Madron, has so far seen 25 arrests for drug driving, and five for drink driving.

There have been 86 stop searches during the operation, resulting in cocaine, cannabis and herbal cannabis with a street value of over £1,000 being seized. An axe was also found, and a stolen motorbike recovered.

Two men were also arrested during stop searches – one on suspicion of possessing class A drugs with intent to supply, and another who is believed to be linked to a London-based organised crime gang.

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Sergeant Adam Hodgkinson, who led the operation, said: “We are also working hard to try and break the cycle of reoffending and in an effort to help the people identified as experiencing drugs issues six people have been referred to the diversionary scheme to speak with a support worker, and three others have been referred to the Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service following positive drug tests on arrest for class A substances.”

These kits have until now been used by roads policing units, but the aim of this trial is to extend roadside testing to identify and prosecute drug drivers, with the aim of increasing road safety.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the trial has given selected officers the advantage to deal with drug drivers with the required tools and training and will allow them to tackle the Chief Constable’s priorities, particularly in relation to making the Dyfed-Powys area a hostile environment for drugs.

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Ceredigion Superintendent Ross Evans said: “We are concerned at the number of drivers being arrested in the county while under the influence of drugs.

“We are working hard to deter this type of crime, and by issuing these kits to local officers we are making a concentrated effort to locate and test drivers we suspect are driving illegally.

“Any drivers that are caught will be prosecuted.

“I can reassure the public that we are taking this issue seriously and I encourage anyone with information or concerns to contact us.”