Police have made 19 arrests while carrying out a "protracted drug trafficking investigation" in Newtown, Llandrindod Wells, Welshpool and surrounding areas.

Dyfed-Powys Police said it has been involved in a "week of proactive enforcement activity".

Det Insp Gareth Grant, of Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Dyfed-Powys Police executed a series of searches and undertook a number of arrests connected to an ongoing drug trafficking investigation, in Newtown, Llandrindod Wells, Welshpool and surrounding areas last week (24/6/19 – 28/6/19). This is part of an ongoing operation, and we will issue further information and updates about this when appropriate.

“This protracted operation which has been running since February and subsequent enforcement action targeting the supply and use of illegal drugs in the area is as a result of concerns and feedback from the community in respect of the scourge of drug misuse. Dafydd Llywelyn, Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner has fully supported this action and has ensured additional funding was made available in order to carry out this extensive operation to tackle drug misuse in these communities.

“Drugs misuse is a complex issue, and as such as well as enforcement action, we also enlisted the services of local drugs support agency Kaleidoscope, and they were present throughout the process to arrange and co-ordinate referrals and support in relation to drug abuse, addiction and rehabilitation.

“At this time, 19 men and women (as listed below) have been arrested and are at various stages of legal proceedings. We thank the public for their understanding and co-operation whilst this action was taking place, and hope that this positive action demonstrates our commitment to tackling drugs misuse in our communities.”

Police have taken action against the following:

1. 55-year-old man from Merthyr Tydfil, charged with conspiracy to supply heroin - remanded in custody

2. 34-year-old woman from Llandrindod Wells, charged with conspiracy to supply heroin - remanded in custody

3. 39-year-old man from Llandrindod Wells, charged with conspiracy to supply heroin - remanded in custody

4. 45-year-old man of no fixed abode, charged with conspiracy to supply heroin - remanded in custody

5. 40-year-old man from Llandrindod Wells, was arrested on suspicion of supply

6. 33-year-old man from Welshpool, charged with one count of supplying crack cocaine, two counts of supplying heroin and two counts of offering to supply a class A drug - remanded in custody

7. 40-year-old man from Newtown, charged with five counts of supplying heroin, one count of supplying crack cocaine, one count of being concerned in supply, one count of attempted supply and one charge of administering a poison - section 23 offences against against the person act 1981 – remanded in custody

8. 31-year-old woman from Newtown, charged with two counts of supplying heroin and one count of being concerned in supply – remanded in custody

9. 38-year-old man of no fixed abode, charged with two counts of supplying heroin, one count of supplying crack cocaine – remanded in custody

10. 36-year-old man from Newtown, charged with one count of supplying heroin – remanded in custody

11. 32-year-old man from Newtown, charged with four counts of supplying heroin – remanded in custody

12. 37-year-old woman from Newtown, charged with seven counts of supplying heroin, one count of supplying crack cocaine, one count of being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine - remanded in custody

13. 29-year-old woman from Newtown, charged with five counts of supplying heroin and one count of possession with intent to supply heroin – remanded in custody

14. 51-year-old man from Llandrindod Wells, charged with one count of supplying heroin and one count of offering to supply a class A drug, heroin – remanded in custody

15. 30-year-old man from Llandrindod Wells, charged with two counts of supplying heroin – remanded in custody

16. 38-year-old man from Newtown, charged with five counts of supplying heroin and one count of possession with intent to supply heroin – remanded in custody

17. 37-year-old man from Llandrindod Wells, arrested on suspicion of supply and was bailed

18. 29-year-old man from Liverpool, charged with two counts of possession with intent to supply (one heroin and one crack cocaine) and five counts of supplying heroin – remanded in custody

19. 27-year-old man from Welshpool – charged with two counts of supplying crack cocaine and three counts of supplying heroin – remanded in custody

All of the above that have been charged and remanded will next appear before Swansea Crown Court on July 23.