Five people have been charged with drug supply offences following a major police operation targeting suspected Class A drug dealing networks across Gwynedd and Merseyside.

More than 60 officers carried out a series of simultaneous warrants during the morning of Thursday, November 5, following a seven-month investigation into individuals suspected of supplying Class A drugs into Gwynedd.

Properties in Bangor, Bethel, Bethesda, Llanrug and Liverpool were searched, with officers recovering what police described as a substantial quantity of Class A drugs, cash and other assets.

Six people were arrested during the operation, with five subsequently charged with conspiracy offences relating to the supply of controlled drugs.

David Hughes, 53, of Bangor Road, Bethesda, has been charged with conspiring to supply cocaine.

Nerys Wyn Jones, 46, of Treflan, Bangor, and Serina Jayne Ann Medforth, 55, of Cremlyn, Bethel, have both been charged with conspiring to supply heroin.

Barry Ian Clarke, 59, of Warbreck, Liverpool, is also charged with conspiring to supply heroin, while Arthur Hughes, who is currently being held at HMP Berwyn but is originally from the Rachub area, has been charged with conspiring to supply Class A substances.

David Hughes, Jones and Medforth appeared before Llandudno Magistrates' Court on Friday, November 6, while Clarke appeared separately at Mold Magistrates' Court.

One other person arrested during the operation has been released on bail while police enquiries continue.

Superintendent Arwel Hughes said the operation formed part of North Wales Police's ongoing efforts to tackle organised criminality across the region.

He said officers would continue working with partner agencies, businesses and residents to identify and disrupt suspected drug supply networks.

Police are urging anyone with concerns or information about drug-related activity in their community to contact them on 101, use the force's online live web chat service, or report information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.