IN DRAMATIC scenes (pictured), armed police carrying semi-automatic machine guns flank one of two women for an appearance before a Gwent court.

Officers with machine guns and guard dogs escorted two women, arrested last week, into Newport magistrates court on Saturday.

Jamaicans Angella Maylor, aged 33, of Orchard Mews, Newport, and Vanetta Johnson, 32, of the same address, are charged with conspiracy to supply class A drugs.

The two women were among 43 people arrested as part of Operation Corolla, which targeted an alleged drug dealing ring in Newport.

A convoy of unmarked police cars and a prison van swept into the court's yard at 8.15am, police marksman took up positions as the defendants were led into court.

Outside the front entrance, more armed police searched anyone entering the building and kept watch.

Maylor was led into the dock handcuffed to a security guard followed by Johnson.

Both women looked anxious and Johnson began to cry as she was consulted by her lawyer. Later in proceedings, Maylor also began to sob.

Both women were remanded in custody and ordered to appear at Newport Crown Court on Friday.