Five raids in crime crackdown

A series of five drugs raids were carried out at addresses in Bettws and Malpas yesterday and on Monday.

The raids were part of Operation Besort, a week-long crime clean-up of the Bettws police section, which takes in Bettws, Malpas and Rogerstone. Sergeant Peter Thomas, who organised the operation, said that at one address a quantity of herbal cannabis, hydroponics and eight cannabis plants were seized.

At a second address, he said, stolen property was recovered. A small amount of cannabis was recovered at a third address. No arrest was made there because of the new legislation which came into force last week, downgrading the drug to class C.

Arrests for possession of cannabis are now only made in aggravated circumstances, but Sgt Thomas said he wanted to remind people that cannabis is still illegal and will be confiscated. Support group officers from Gwent Police headquarters took part in the raids with Bettws patrol officers, breaking down doors and conducting thorough searches of the premises.

In addition to the execution of warrants of arrest for drugs offences, a team of ten enforcement officers are also working throughout the week, executing warrants for non-payment of fines, and arrest warrants.

The DVLA are towing away untaxed cars in a three-day co-operation with police - we reported yesterday how on Monday they towed cars from Rogerstone.

PC Eddie Evans, crime and disorder reduction officer for Bettws police section, said: "The cars will be removed off the highway to designated parking areas and the owners will have to pay a storage charge and go to Bridgend to pick them up."

Throughout the week there will be high-visibility patrols by Newport wardens, PCSOs (Police Community Support Officers) and uniformed police officers.

Traffic officers are out during the day, using their Automatic Number Plate Recognition equipment to spot motorists who are committing offences.