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Six men have appeared in court after a series of drug raids involving more than 90 police officers.

The raids were carried out across south Wales and parts of southern England on Thursday morning (March 18).

Alexander Booth, 35, of Pen y Bryn, Penyrheol, was among the six men to appear at Newport Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, March 20.

Also appearing in court were:

• Sabid Uddin, 40, of Limetree Close, Wayfield, Chatham
• Saleh Ahmed, 38, of Woodbridge Road, Barking
• Sion Connor, 37, of Morris Street, Newport
• Lewis Thomas,32, of Abergavenny Road, Gilwern
• Lester Bromley, 50, of Frost Road, Beaufort

All six men were charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine.

They have been remanded in custody until their next court appearance on April 12.

The raids

Gwent Police worked with South Wales Police, as well as Thames Valley Police and the Metropolitan Police, to carry out the raids.

One of the raids happened at a residential address in Caerphilly, while another happened at a business premises in Bedwas.

Raids were also carried out in Cardiff, Gilwern, Ebbw Vale, Blaina, Newport, Oxford, Kent and Barking as part of an investigation into the supply of class A drugs.

Gwent Police said a quantity of drugs, believed to be class A, were seized and sent away for forensic examination.

Cash, jewellery and vehicles were also seized.

Speaking following the raids, Detective Inspector Ian Bartholomew, of Gwent Police’s Organised Crime Unit, said the “operation displays our commitment to keeping our communities safe by tackling serious and organised crime”.

He said: “Our investigations and these warrants today are aimed at those who profit from selling these drugs to some of the more vulnerable people in our communities. Our work to tackle organised crime is so important to stop class A drugs from harming our local communities.

“Anyone involved in this type of criminality can expect to be pursued and brought before the courts.”

DI Bartholomew added: “As always, I’d like to thank our communities for their support. If you see something that either seems out of place or just doesn’t add up then you can contact us and know it will be dealt with robustly.”