EIGHT arrests were made and heroin, amphetamines and cannabis seized in a series of drugs raids in the Bettws, Malpas, Rogerstone and Bassaleg areas.

About £800 worth of stolen property was also recovered in the raids, under the Misuse of Drugs Act, which were part of the two-week long Operation Besort.

The operation, run by Bettws police, also saw a team of ten enforcement officers executing 86 warrants issued by the courts, and they recovered almost £1,300 in unpaid fines.

Inspector Paul Griffiths said: "The operation was part of an ongoing approach to improve the quality of life for people in our policing area."

As part of the joint operation, which also involved Newport council and the DVLA, 38 untaxed vehicles were removed from the streets. Owners will have to pay a storage charge and pick them up from Bridgend. If they are not claimed, the cars will be crushed.

A further £240 was recovered in unpaid vehicle tax.

Two people were arrested for driving while disqualified and over 40 drivers were reported for various traffic offences over the two weeks.

Police Community Support Officers spent over 125 hours patrolling in the area and dealt with numerous calls regarding nuisance and disorderly behaviour.

The operation also included provision of skips in the area and a drive to keep the area clean, in association with the local housing office.

Rogerstone police station was also re-opened by community volunteers. PC Eddie Evans, crime and disorder reduction officer, said: "The operation has helped us get even closer to the community and this has caused an increase in information and intelligence that will assist us further in fighting disorder and crime in the area."

He said officers were assisted by council staff, including community wardens and dog wardens, throughout the two weeks.