Fourteen people have been arrested after drug and money laundering raids across Powys, Shrewsbury and the West Midlands area.
Ten men and four women, aged in their 20s and 30s, were arrested on Wednesday morning (June 5) on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class A drugs, money laundering and being involved in an organised crime group.
The raids at 12 addresses were carried out after a six-month investigation by the West Mercia Police’s Serious Organised Crime Unit into organised crime across Shropshire, Mid Wales and the West Midlands.
During the operation drugs with an estimated street value of £500,000, criminal property estimated to be in the region of £103,000 and £18,000 cash were seized across all 12 addresses.
All 14 remain in police custody as enquiries continue.
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Detective Inspector Robert Rondel said: “Throughout yesterday we executed 12 warrants across Shropshire, Mid Wales and the West Midlands, which led to 14 people who are suspected to be linked to drug dealing in the county, and beyond being arrested.
“This involved multiple teams from the force, as well as officers from West Midlands Police and Dyfed-Powys Police, working together as we seek to tackle those who deal drugs here which have a harmful impact on the communities we protect and serve.
“Drug dealers prey on some of the most vulnerable people in society and their presence in turn causes more crime such as shoplifting, burglary and anti-social behaviour.
“We would like to reassure the local community that although it can look alarming to see officers arrive in numbers and wearing protective clothing, there is no wider risk to the public.”
This investigation forms part of Operation Target – West Mercia Police’s work to tackle serious and organised crime.
Police said the local community can help officers by continuing to report any signs of criminal activity.
“Any bit of information, no matter how small it may seem, could help make a big difference,” the force said.
If you have information about drugs or drugs supply and don’t want to speak to police, you can report information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or https://crimestoppers-uk.org/
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