Weapons and drugs seized by specialist police teams tackling knife crime and serious violence

Weapons and millions of pounds’ worth of drugs have been seized in 12 months by a specialist South Wales Police team disrupting those involved in knife crime and serious violence.

The covert Op Sceptre Team, which operates across the force, has also taken almost half a million pounds in cash out of the hands of those involved in violence and criminal exploitation.

Between April 2020 and March 2021, the Op Sceptre Team in Cardiff and Swansea:

• took 228 weapons off the streets
• seized £4.47m worth of drugs and £486,000 in cash
• made 532 arrests

Superintendent Esyr Jones, force lead for tackling serious violence, said:

“The Op Sceptre Team are relentlessly pursuing those involved in serious violence and associated criminality, to protect those being exploited and to keep our streets safe.
“South Wales is a safe place to live, to work and to be, but we will never be complacent, and tackling the harm that knife crime and serious violence cause is an absolute priority for South Wales Police.
“And while we know it can be difficult to speak up if you think someone is carrying a knife, by doing so you can help ensure that weapon can’t be used to cause serious injury, or worse. Ultimately, that means you could save a life.”

To contact us, visit https://bit.ly/SWPReportOnline, send us a private message on Facebook or Twitter, or email [email protected].

Alternatively, tell Crimestoppers anonymously via https://crimestoppers-uk.org/ on 0800 555 111.

In an emergency, always dial 999.

The work of the Op Sceptre Team is complemented by neighbourhood, response, specialist operations, and other police teams.