A TOTAL of 19 people have been arrested following an operation in Gwynedd to tackle drug supply into the area.

Operation Hessite saw officers from North Wales and Merseyside execute warrants in Llanberis, Bangor, and Caernarfon between November 12-14.

The operation came following intelligence about drug supply and distribution across Gwynedd.

Across three days of action, officers executed four warrants under the Misuse of Drugs Act and conducted more than 20 stop-searches, which subsequently resulted in 19 people being arrested on suspicion of offences including theft, possession of weapons and drugs.

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In addition, five weapons and a large quantity of suspected drugs and cash were seized during the warrants.

Following the arrests, one man has since been recalled to prison, one man was charged for possessing an offensive weapon, and one man charged with possession of Class A drugs.

Temporary District Inspector Andrew Davies, of North Wales Police, said: “Pursuing those who bring drugs into our communities continues to be a priority.

“Drug supply leads to criminal activity, especially serious and violent crime, which causes misery and fear for residents.

“We will continue to act on intelligence provided to us to disrupt the supply of drugs to the area. This information plays a vital part in identifying individuals and putting them before the courts.”

Anyone with information about drugs in their area can contact North Wales Police via its website or by calling 101, or by reporting anonymously to Crimestoppers.