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Gwent Police officers have arrested several men and dismantled a cannabis farm in Caerphilly.

Officers carried out a “range of enforcement and engagement activity” last week, tackling reports of assault, criminal damage, and burglary.

A stolen van was also returned to its owner.

Sergeant Emilie Hughes, who led the operation, said: “We have focused our patrols and proactive operations in Lansbury Park, with officers carrying out warrants and making eight arrests in connection with assaults, drug offences and shoplifting.

“We’ve recently seen an increase in reports of criminal damage and disorder in the area, including an affray that saw several men making threats to one another with weapons.

“This resulted in the arrest of a 34-year-old man from Lansbury Park on suspicion of affray, and we seized several weapons – notably a metal pole and a spade – used in a threatening behaviour.”

She continued: “Officers on patrol made another arrest, this time of a 44-year-old man, also of Lansbury Park, on suspicion of assault, although this was unconnected to the reported affray.

“This man was later charged with the offence and remanded to court, where officers also successfully applied for a criminal behaviour order.”

The force also arrested a man who was subject to a no bail warrant who was later remanded to custody.

Another man, 34, was arrested and charged with shoplifting before he was remanded to appear at court.

During the week, two men were also arrested in connection with assault offences, with one domestic violence protection order being granted by the courts.

Sgt Hughes continued: “During the operation, officers were focused on identifying those suspected of committing drug offences and carried out targeted patrols in areas we believe are being affected.

“Through daily patrols, and engaging with residents at our regular police surgeries, we’re able to gather information around where offenders may be supplying drugs in our communities.

“The public really do play a huge part in helping us build a clear picture, which informs our warrants.”

Officers also discovered a cannabis farm after carrying out drug raid at a house on the estate.

Sgt Hughes said: “After dismantling the cannabis farm, a 34-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of producing class-B drugs, and we’ve also seized plants and growing equipment.”

“Later in the week, during our patrols, we also removed a quantity of class-B drugs from our streets after arresting a 33-year-old-man on suspicion of possession to supply drugs.

“The man, after breaching his licence conditions, has now been recalled to prison.”

If you’re concerned about, or have any information about, crime or disorder in your area, you can call Gwent Police on 101, or by sending them a message via social media.