Drugs suspect arrested after eagle-eyed operator's tip-off - This is South Wales

POLICE swooped on a suspected drugs pusher in Neath town centre after a sharp-eyed CCTV operator spotted him apparently involved in a street deal.

The 21-year-old was arrested on suspicion of supply of a controlled drug after being spotted acting suspiciously.

He was questioned at Neath Police Station and released on bail while inquiries continue.

Acting Sergeant Lee Johns of the priority policing team said: "CCTV has picked up what the operator thought was street drug dealing going on in Neath town centre.

"The operator believed the suspect and another man were exchanging items and cash.

"The proactive team and Neath neighbouring policing team attended immediately and detained the suspect.

"He was found to be in possession of a quantity of tablets, which were believed to be Valium.

"The suspect was also in possession of cash and there were certain text messages on his mobile phone.

"He was interviewed in connection with the matter and was released on police bail for further inquiries to take place."

Sergeant Johns said the CCTV operators were trained to look for such incidents.

"In this case they quickly established there was suspicious behaviour taking place," he added.

"They related that information to the police and officers attended the scene very quickly and detained the suspect."

Sergeant Johns added: "Drugs will not be tolerated and we would ask anyone with information or suspicions about drugs and drug dealing to come forward.

"All information received will be treated with the strictest confidence and will be acted upon."

Call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.