Tarian make 269 arrests and seize more than 460kg of drugs in 2022

Tarian, the south Wales Regional Organised Crime Unit, working with southern Wales police forces and partners have made 269 arrests and seized more than 460 kilograms of drugs during 2022.

Tarian are responsible for tackling serious and organised crime across southern Wales and managing the threat posed from crime types such as firearms supply, county drugs lines, child sexual exploitation, cybercrime and modern day slavery.

During 2022, investigations by Tarian have resulted in 269 arrests, 211 criminals being jailed for a total of 763 years and approximately 469kg of drugs have been removed from the streets. Tarian have also supported other forces and partner agencies which have led to additional arrests and sentences.

Our Regional Economic Crime Unit utilised powers under the Proceeds of Crime Act to obtain confiscation orders against convicted criminals of £4,467,434.12, detained almost £400k in cash and have restrained assets of approximately £4 million from criminals.

Throughout 2022, our County Lines Team have assisted our three south Wales forces on numerous investigations, helping to protect vulnerable adults and children from being exploited by drugs gangs.

Investigation highlights include:

• Operation Arcturus: six members of an organised crime group who supplied up to £5,022,000 worth of high quality drugs were jailed for a combined 87 years.
• Operation Oberon: 14 members of an organised crime group involved in a large-scale drugs network were jailed for over 140 years.
• 384 children and 32 adults safeguarded from being exploited by criminals.
• The Asset Confiscation Team (ACE), which is part of the Regional Economic Crime Unit, recovered £548,241.07 from the enforcement of previously imposed confiscation orders.

Detective Chief Superintendent Nick Wilkie, head of the organised crime unit said:

“It has been another incredibly successful year for Tarian in our fight against serious and organised crime across the region.

“Thanks to the hard work of our officers and partner agencies, a large number of prolific criminals spent Christmas behind bars and we’ve taken significant quantities of drugs and illegal firearms off the streets.

“We’re looking forward to continuing the fight against serious and organised crime in 2023, and protecting people across southern Wales from harm.”