Joint operation held in Rhyl and the surrounding area

Several arrests and drug, cash and vehicle seizures were made yesterday (Wednesday, July 21^st) as part of a joint operation to tackle County Lines drug supply.

Working with Merseyside Police’s MATRIX Team, officers from North Wales Police’ intercept Team carried out a day of action in Rhyl and the surrounding areas targeting crime and drug supply. The day also involved the Roads Policing Unit using off-road motorcycles.

A 23-year-old man, who was believed to have been driving on a cloned plate was arrested in Towyn following a short pursuit.

He attempted to avoid a stinger which had been placed across the road and he ended up in a ditch.

He was arrested on suspicion of numerous offences including dangerous driving, failing to stop, theft of a motor vehicle and possession of an offensive weapon after a machete was recovered from the car.

He has since been released under investigation pending further investigation work.

Other arrests were made including a 39-year-old man from Rhyl was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of drugs when he was seen to be acting suspiciously.

Four men were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs when their vehicle was stopped at Sainsbury’s in Rhyl. A quantity of cash, SIM cards and Class A drugs were seized.

A total of seven people were arrested on suspicion of drug driving – including a 31-year-old man from Kinmel Bay who was spotted driving his Transit van in Rhuddlan whilst using his phone. He subsequently failed the roadside drugs test after testing positive for cannabis. Due to the Dog Unit being nearby, Police Dog Keo came to assist with a search of his van, which was negative.

The man was later released pending the results of further tests.

Several other arrests linked to drug supply were made and four vehicles were seized – along with cash, drugs and mobile phones and over ten stop searches were carried out.

Chief Inspector Jon Aspinall said: “County Line gangs groom and exploit the most vulnerable people in our communities including children and young people to store and sell drugs. They are intimated, coerced, threatened and often subject to violence.

"These gangs are not welcome in North Wales. Our officers remain absolutely committed to working with our neighbouring police forces to pursue offenders and safeguard individuals who may be at risk. Together we will continue to make North Wales a hostile environment to those who seek to engage in criminal activity.

“Using a variety of tactics, this day of action is just one of several we have planned for the region over the coming weeks. If you are intent on committing drug offences please know that we will be waiting for you.”

“As ever, I would urge anyone with concerns to report them to North Wales Police or alternatively to contact Crimestoppers anonymously.”