POLICE across South Wales have seized more than £3.5 million worth of drugs and 84 weapons since April. 

These latest figures are revealed as South Wales Police joins police forces across the UK in Operation Sceptre – a national week of action to tackle knife crime, which will run from November 15 to November 21.

Force Lead for Serious Violence, Superintendent Esyr Jones, said: “Levels of knife offences in the UK have risen over the last few years, and sadly South Wales is no different to anywhere else in that respect.

“But South Wales remains a safe place, tackling knife crime is a priority for the force and we continue to see positive results.”

South Wales Police has two Op Sceptre Teams:

  • Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan
  • Swansea and Neath Port Talbot

The team, made up of high-visibility and covert officers, are on the streets 24/7.

Since April, the teams have:

  • Recovered drugs worth £3.7 million and £157,000 cash
  • Arrested 284 people
  • Seized 84 weapons
  • Carried out 1,143 stop searches. 

Superintendent Esyr Jones added: “Our Op Sceptre teams relentlessly pursue those involved in serious violence and associated criminality, to protect those being exploited and to keep our streets safe.

“Incidents involving knives can have tragic consequences, which is why tackling knife crime and putting a stop to serious violence is an absolute priority for us.”

Recently, Wales Police’s Op Sceptre Team seized a kilo of heroin, estimated to be worth up to £56,000, following a stop check of a car in Grangetown.

Two men were arrested, and their home addresses were searched, leading to one man being charged with possession with intent to supply heroin and possession of cannabis.

The Op Sceptre team were on patrol in an unmarked police car following concerns about knife crime and drug supply offences in the area.

The work of the Op Sceptre Teams is complimented by Organised Crime Units and Neighbourhood Policing Teams.

While 99 per cent of people aged 10–29 do not carry a knife, SchoolBeat Officers are talking to young people all over Wales to make sure they are aware of the devastating impact carrying a knife can have not on their lives, and the lives of friends, family and others in the community.

An offensive weapon surrender scheme is currently running until December 20, which gives the public an opportunity to hand in weapons and help prevent serious violence.

Weapons can be handed in at seven locations:

  • Barry Police Station
  • Bridgend Police Station
  • Cardiff Bay Police Station
  • Cardiff Central Police Station
  • Neath Police Station
  • Pontypridd Police Station
  • Swansea Central Police Station   

Anyone with concerns about knife crime, or who thinks someone might be carrying a knife, can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or South Wales Police.

Go to: https://bit.ly/SWPReportOnline

Send them a private message on Facebook/Twitter

Via e-mail: SWP101@south-wales.police.uk

In an emergency, dial 999.