Drug seizures in Dyfed-Powys saw a slight increase during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to new statistics.

Data released by the Home Office shows that during 2020/21 Dyfed-Powys Police carried out 2,225 seizures in the year up to March. This represents a five per cent increase on the 2,111 seizures from the previous year.

Cannabis was the most commonly seized drug during 2020/21, accounting for over 72 per cent of all seizures across the county. Variations of the class B substance were found in 1,612 seizures.

Class A drugs, such as cocaine, heroin and ecstasy were seized 365 times by Dyfed-Powys Police during the year. Cocaine accounted for almost half of all class A seizures across the county.

The rise in drug seizures in Powys reflects the national picture. In 2020/21 across in England and Wales, there were 223,106 drug seizures, up 21 per cent on the previous year.

Steve Dann, Border Force Chief Operating Officer said:

“Drug supply chains are violent and exploitative, impacting communities across the UK.

“These seizures send a clear message to anyone prepared to smuggle illegal drugs into the country that we remain committed and prepared to tackle drug supply chains.

“Border Force Officers involved in these seizures can be proud of their work in stopping these dangerous drugs from entering our communities.”

Policing and Crime Minister Kit Malthouse said:

“These seizures mean some nasty villains out there are nursing huge losses and probably can’t pay their debts. Good.

“Drug gangs ruin lives and dismantling their conspiracies for good means breaking their businesses and destroying their profits. Well done to the Border Force and the police for tackling this head on.”