Police arrest 21 during operation

South Wales Police used a drugs' dog during the operation

A one-day police operation has led to 21 arrests on suspicion of offences including blackmail, assault and supplying drugs.

Detectives, response officers and a drugs' dog were involved in the arrests, which took place in Merthyr and Rhondda Cynon Taf on Thursday.

Other suspected offences included criminal damage, fraud and car crime.

Aberdare-based Ch Insp Keith Prosser, who led the operation, said it had been a success.

Ten arrests were made in Merthyr and Cynon Valley, and 11 people were arrested elsewhere in Rhondda Cynon Taf.

Police said search warrants executed under the Misuse of Drugs Act in Tonyrefail and Trebanog, in Rhondda, resulted in the seizure of cannabis.

Two men, aged 25 and 32, were arrested on suspicion of possession of drugs with intent to supply.

Ch Insp Prosser said: "Latest figures released by the Home Office reveal that crime in Merthyr and Rhondda Cynon Taf has fallen by more than 6% compared to the same period last year.

"Included in this reduction are notable decreases in violent crime and burglary which are the result of targeting known offenders."