Ferrari And Guns Seized In Traveller Raids

A £166,000 Ferrari, cash, guns and swords were seized by police during a series of dawn raids targeting organised criminality in the traveller community.

Senior detectives said they have arrested 20 people for a range of alleged offences, including money laundering, high-value theft and forced labour.

Along with the 196mph supercar and "substantial" amount of cash, items including a Range Rover and a golf cart were confiscated by police.

Chief superintendent Belinda Davies described the investigation - dubbed Purple Barracuda - as "complex and sensitive".

"Yesterday more than 250 officers executed a number of warrants at locations in Cardiff," she said.

"Suspected proceeds of crime ranging from luxury cars including a Ferrari and a Range Rover were seized along with a very substantial amount of cash

"One of the most critical elements was the protection of British and foreign nationals from forced labour and poor working conditions.

"Thirteen people who were found in various addresses were taken to a specialist reception centre where support is now being offered."

As part of the wider Operation Fulcrum, search warrants were executed at three locations across the Welsh capital - New House Farm, Shirenewton caravan site and a property in Newport Road, Rumney.

Other alleged offences included the "large scale abstraction of electricity".

Inspector James Dyson said the operation followed several months of planning and research.

"A police response such as this will no doubt have an impact on the traveller community within Cardiff and beyond," he said.

"With a view to this, there is an ongoing engagement process with Cardiff Council and the traveller community.

"The policing response was designed to reassure (people) that South Wales Police are there to represent and serve all, and will address any criminality and anti-social behaviour that exists."

No details on the age of the forced labour victims or where they are from have been released. Nor have the age or genders of those arrested.