NEWPORT police have hailed an operation aimed at stopping a drug-trafficking ring in the city a success.

Operation Corolla ran over three days and involved more than 250 officers from four forces.

The police operation was aimed at breaking up an extensive drug-trafficking gang.

Police have said the operation, which included drug raids on 25 addresses, has exceeded its aim and resulted in 40 arrests.

Some of those arrested are known to have been working as part of organised gangs of Jamaican drug dealers, known as Yardies.

Charges were brought against 12 people, others were bailed pending further inquiries.

Ten of those arrested were illegal immigrants and two were handed over to the immigration service.

More than £45,000 worth of drugs was recovered, plus £14,000 in cash. The gang is also suspected of running a money-laundering scheme between Gwent and Jamaica.

The operation formed part of Operation Tarian, which is an unprecedented co-operation between the Gwent, South Wales and Dyfed Powys forces to target suppliers of Class A drugs like cocaine and heroin.

Superintendent Nigel Russell said: "It has more than exceeded the aims we had established.

We want to reassure the public that we will continue to come down hard on anybody dealing drugs in Newport, and we will remain vigilant.

"We have received a number of phone calls from residents in Pill, saying they are grateful for all the work we have done and feel their streets are safer to live in."

In August police seized more than £600,000 worth of cocaine in Operation Tarian, and last month Home Secretary David Blunkett announced a further £500,000 funding for the initiative, after lobbying by former Welsh secretary Paul Murphy and Islwyn MP and Wales Minister Don Touhig.

* Pictured: A police dog searches a suspect's car after a drugs raid in Newport