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Sixty-four arrests were made throughout June as part of a police operation that saw £8.7m worth of cannabis seized across south Wales.

Operation Mille was a month-long operation to tackle organised crime, such as drug dealing, immigration crime and money laundering.

Gwent Police worked alongside South Wales Police and Dyfed Powys Police as part of the sting, which was coordinated by the regional organised crime unit Tarian.

Throughout June, 86 search warrants were carried out across the three police force areas.

Sixty-four were arrested for offences including production of cannabis – including one arrest in Caerphilly County Borough.

In total, 43 people were charged, with nearly 17,000 cannabis plants seized by police. Mobile phones, cash and forged documents were also seized.

Wendy Gunney, the assistant chief constable for Tarian, said: “The regional organised crime unit for southern Wales has worked closely with the national policing network to successfully target and disrupt organised cannabis production in our region.”

“This type of criminality has an extremely detrimental impact on our communities, and it is vital that we continue to collaborate with law enforcement partners and external agencies to disrupt offenders.”

CC Gunney added: “I would like to thank all those involved in our region’s efforts on Operation Mille; their determination and resilience has led to our successful outcomes.

“We have also gathered a significant amount of data which will help focus our future efforts in tackling organised crime groups and safeguarding those at the greatest risk of harm.”

Anyone with information about a potential cannabis factory or drug dealing can contact Gwent Police on 101.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously, on crimestoppers-uk.org or 0800 555 111.