'Largest raids' in 20 years target cocaine trade

More than 250 police have raided 27 properties across north Wales and north west England to tackle the supply of cocaine across the region.

North Wales Police said it had carried out its largest drugs operation in 20 years in coordinated strikes.

It used warrants to target locations in Anglesey, Conwy county, Manchester and Merseyside at 06:45 GMT.

There have been 15 arrests with individuals held at three police stations in north Wales.

Police said the operation was a "massive undertaking" which had been ongoing for 12 months.

Seizures included controlled drugs and cash.

The arrested individuals are from Holyhead, Llandudno, Landudno Junction, Liverpool and Manchester.

One local man, in his 30s, was arrested in Holyhead on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class A controlled drugs, money laundering and perverting the course of justice.

Operation Zeus was run by the force's serious and organised crime unit.

Officers were briefed before the raids

More than half the force's frontline staff were involved in the operation.

Searches are ongoing at all the raided properties.

On Tuesday morning, Insp Owain Llewellyn, who spoke to BBC Wales from outside one of the raided premises, said: "The plan for the next few hours is to carry out a slow, methodical search of these premises to look for drugs and any evidence of drug dealing, cash, jewellery, signs that someone's living beyond their means.

"So this is where the real work starts for us now.

"Regularly, we are passed information by members of the public in relation to drug dealing.

"However, it takes a long time to develop the information... to execute the warrant and ensure it's successful."

He said some officers had given up their rest days to take part in the operation.