A "MAJOR crime empire" which aimed to flood the streets of South Wales with drugs was smashed by Gwent Police.

As a result of two covert operations - code-named Othello and Montana - members of a gang appeared in court yesterday for their part in a conspiracy involving drugs with a total street value of almost £1m.

The five men were due to be sentenced at Newport crown court today.

Their arrests came after a kilo of cocaine worth £50,000, 283 kilos of cannabis worth £900,000 and two kilos of amphetamine worth £40,000 were seized by police.

After the hearing at Newport crown court yesterday, Detective Chief Inspector Steve Webber, the officer who led the investigation, told the Argus: "This operation was important not just because of the amount of drugs we seized but because we have dismantled a major crime empire."

Hywel Wyn Evans, 46, of Danygraig Road, Risca; William Avery, 49, of Wharf Road, Maindee, Newport; Danny Schafer, 38, of Romford, Essex; Jason Rogers, 32 of Swallow Way, Duffryn, Newport and Robert Power, 37, of Blossom Close, Langstone were all due to be sentenced today.

Evans pleaded guilty to conspiring to supply cocaine, Schafer to conspiring to supply cannabis and Avery admitted conspiring to supply cocaine, amphetamine and cannabis.

After a trial, Rogers was found guilty of conspiring to supply cannabis and amphetamine and Power was found guilty of conspiring to supply amphetamine.

In addition, Avery admitted possessing a prohibited weapon, a stun gun, and Evans admitted conspiring to handle stolen goods.

Huw Davies QC, prosecuting, yesterday told the court that the two operations lasted several months and involved many observations made by the police in Risca and Newport.

Malcolm Swift QC, for Schafer said he had been in custody for more than 400 days and had turned over a new leaf.

"He accepts the gravity of his involvement," said Mr Swift.

Peter Davies, for Avery, said: "His function was that of a person recruited to be a driver and courier.

"He did it with his eyes open at a time when he was open to offers.

"He wants to put crime behind him. He was a minnow, not the organiser." Mary Parry-Evans, representing Rogers, said he too was a courier.

"He was a very small fish in the hierarchy of things," she added.

Marion Lewis, for Power, said he was arrested long after all the others and during long police interviews he made full and frank admissions.

"There was no financial gain whatsoever," she said.

Remanding the defendants in custody yesterday, Judge David Morris said: "Sentencing is something I must not hurry.

"I want to give mature and considered reflection on all I've heard."