Drug 'rat' drive: 28 arrests

The campaign was launched by police in September

Police have arrested 28 people and raided more than 30 properties in mid and west Wales in a campaign targeting drug dealers.

Those arrested have now been offered help to get off drugs.

Substances believed to be heroin, amphetamines, cannabis and magic mushrooms have been seized by officers in the first month of the "Rat on a Rat" initiative.

Police are promising every phone call or piece of information from people will be followed up.

Chief Inspector Mike Donovan of Dyfed-Powys Police said he was delighted by the response so far.

I would ask the public to continue with their calls to assist us to protect them Chief Inspector Mike Donovan

The campaign urges people to pass on details on suspected drug dealing.

A similar initiative which has been running for a year in the neighbouring South Wales force has resulted in the seizure of drugs worth £144,000 and 70 arrests.

Treatment

Mr Donovan said: "We have had 35 calls to Crimestoppers in a three-week period giving us information on alleged drug dealers.

"We have also received information given directly to local police.

"I want to reassure the public that we will take action against drug dealers to make our communities safer and help to protect our young people.

"I would ask the public to continue with their calls to assist us to protect them."

The 28 arrests in the Dyfed-Powys force area have been made in the past week.

Mr Donovan added: "All the people arrested will be offered referrals for treatment to assist them to break their drug habits."

People are urged to either phone their local police station or Crimestoppers, where information can be given anonymously, on 0800 555111.