A Newtown man is among seven people arrested as part of an ongoing operation dismantling county line drugs gangs in the area.
Dyfed-Powys Police’s Serious and Organised Crime Team (SOCT), supported by Powys police officers and the National Crime Agency, made the arrests during warrants carried out as part of Op Regent.
All seven appeared at Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates’ Courts and were remanded to prison.
They include Anthony Butterworth, aged 51, of Heol Pengwern, Newtown. The others were Nigel Barnett, aged 42, of Nant Glas, Llandrindod Wells; Bluebell Wedge, aged 23, of Park Terrace, Llandrindod Wells; Craig Dunphy, aged 39, of Nant Glas, Llandrindod Wells; Johann Hughes, aged 44, of Maes y Nant, Rhayader; David Cledwyn Jones, aged 59, of Back Lane, Presteigne and Merlin Ziggy Bonner, aged 29, of Nant Glas, Llandrindod Wells.
Chief Inspector Matt Scrase said: “Over the past two weeks, 13 individuals have now been arrested, charged and remanded to prison. During the arrests, police officers and PCSOs have conducted high visibility patrols talking to and delivering leaflets to members of the community most affected by the supply of drugs and all the associated issues that brings. Reaction in the community has been extremely positive.
“Dyfed-Powys Police will continue to execute more arrests both in this force and across borders over the next few weeks. We are determined to rid our community of the scourge of drugs dealers that travel into Powys so will continue to work with partners and the community to achieve it.
"With this in mind, please continue to give us any information to assist us to protect those vulnerable people that fall prey to the dealers’ activities.”
To report anything suspicious or concerns about the selling and taking of drugs in their community by calling 101, or report online.
To report information anonymously, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
For advice and information on County Lines drugs supply see the Dyfed-Powys Police Op Guardian advice page.
