Operation Grey Anvil strikes a blow into local drugs network
South Wales Police executed a drugs warrant on Thursday, 28 September, 2018,at a flat in the Gurnos area of Merthyr Tydfil as part of Operation Grey Anvil.
Street deals of heroin, amphetamine and cash were discovered at the address in Palm Road.
At approximately 7am officers forced their way through the door which had been reinforced by its occupants from the inside.
The specialist entry and search team were supported by a police dog trained to sniff out Class A drugs such as heroin and cocaine and also the drug Spice.
Two people – a man and a woman – were inside the property and were arrested in connection with drugs offences.
Operation Grey Anvil was launched to tackle Spice use in Merthyr Tydfil. Its aim is to punish those who supply the drug but offer support to those afflicted by it.
On predesignated days for eight hours at a time, anyone found in possession of the drug in the town centre will not be arrested unless they are suspected of committing more serious offences such as supplying it. Instead, they will be given a street warning and an immediate referral to a support agency.
Since the beginning of August, police officers in Merthyr Town Centre have been referring users of Spice to support workers.
Today was the first drugs warrant carried out as part of the ongoing operation – officers were acting on public information.
Local Policing Inspector Simon Davies, said: “Today’s operation was a success – we have seized dangerous drugs and also disrupted what we are confident, was a small but significant operation.
“We know that people are buying their drugs from outside the town and travelling in. The adverse impact it has had on the town centre has been felt by many, and it will not be tolerated.”
Merthyr Valleys Homes was also present to serve an eviction notice on its occupants.
Anti-social behaviour co-ordinator Nicholas Lyons, said: “It is important that we continue to work with South Wales Police to ensure the wellbeing of our tenants and the communities they live in.
“Drug use has a devastating impact upon users, their families and the wider neighbourhood. We will not tolerate those who fuel that misery and stand with South Wales Police in their efforts to tackle drug dealing.”
A 47 year-old man and a 44 year-old woman were arrested and taken in to police custody.
Anybody who has information about drug dealing should contact South Wales Police via 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
