North Wales Police officers executed a series of drug warrants across the Western and Central districts this week.
These warrants formed part of our ongoing, proactive response to organised criminality operating across the region.
A detailed and long-running investigation has focused on the activities of suspects based in the Anglesey, Gwynedd, and Conwy areas.
Officers targeted individuals suspected of engaging in the large-scale supply of cocaine and cannabis across North Wales.
Additional warrants were executed simultaneously in Greater Manchester and Merseyside as part of this aligned policing work.
The over-arching operation – planned and undertaken by officers from multiple departments – identified suspects and residences through intelligence-led policing, community information sharing, and ongoing investigative work into networks suspected of distributing controlled substances.
A total of 10 individuals were arrested during this proactive, early morning operation.
Officers recovered significant quantities of Class A and B drugs, along with cash and high-value assets worth £118,000.
Of those arrested, six males were subsequently charged with multiple offences:
- Gareth Trevor Rowlands, 52, of Trem Eryri, Llanfairpwll, has been charged with Conspiracy to supply Class A Controlled Drugs, Conspiracy to Supply Class B Controlled Drugs, and Possession of Criminal Property.
- Steven Powell, 62, of Cromwell Street, Stockport, has been charged with Conspiracy to Supply Class A Controlled Drugs, and two counts of Conspiracy to Supply Class B Controlled Drugs.
- Joseph McCormick, 34, of Johnston Avenue, Bootle, has been charged with Conspiracy to Supply Class A Controlled Drugs, Conspiracy to Supply Class B Controlled Drugs, and Possession of Criminal Property.
- Craig Harris, 51, of Lon Dryll, Llanfairpwll, has been charged with Conspiracy to Supply Class B Controlled Drugs.
- Steven Williams, 44, of Ffordd Ysgubor Goch, Caernarfon, has been charged with Conspiracy to Supply Class A Controlled Drugs.
- Dennis Edwards, 22, of Marl Crescent, Llandudno Junction, has been charged with Conspiracy to Supply Class B Controlled Drugs, and Possession of Criminal Property.
The defendants appeared at Llandudno Magistrates Court today (Wednesday, 10 December).
All have been remanded in custody.
Superintendent Arwel Hughes said: “The co-ordinated warrants executed today demonstrate our commitment to dismantling the criminal networks that exploit vulnerable people and bring harm to our communities.
“This robust approach to tackling key issues identified by local communities is a continuation of the multi-agency work our force has undertaken with partners during Op Renew Bangor.
“Support from local agencies, along with significant input from residents, housing associations and community groups has been vital during this period.
“Partnership working has been central to our operational success, and we will continue to work proactively and relentlessly to identify, disrupt, and pursue those suspected of involvement in drug supply in our cities, towns and villages.
“Drugs blight neighbourhoods, destroy lives, and create cycles of exploitation. Those who seek to sell drugs to the vulnerable are not only breaking the law – they are actively perpetuating the harm that devastates families and erodes community safety.
“Today’s operational work reflects the dedication and professionalism of our officers, as well as the vital role the public plays in sharing information with us.”
North Wales Police encourages anyone with concerns or information about drug-related activity to contact the force via 101, the live web chat service, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
