The number of people convicted for cannabis possession by Dyfed-Powys Police has significantly reduced since 2012.

In 2012, 499 people were found guilty of cannabis possession in court, according to figures from the Ministry of Justice.

However, by 2017 this number had dropped by 61 per cent, to 196.

Of those successfully prosecuted by Dyfed-Powys Police, 160 were given a fine or discharge, while three received prison sentences.

Cannabis possession charges made up 54 per cent of the total drugs possession offences Dyfed-Powys Police achieved in court. Cannabis is the most commonly used drug in the UK.

A spokesman for the force said Dyfed-Powys Police remained committed to tackling the supply and misuse of drugs in our communities.

“While we will continue to take positive action for the possession and supply of cannabis, particularly in relation to the most vulnerable in our society, our priority is the targeting of those who supply class A drugs,” said the spokesman.

“Class A drugs cause misery to the individuals, their families and communities as a whole and therefore we will continue to cause as much disruption to the drug market as possible through education, prevention and prosecution.

“The force has successfully conducted a number of operations focusing on those people who are involved in trafficking dangerous Class A drugs to our communities and we will continue with this positive action.”

At the moment the Association of Chief Police Officers only recommends arresting someone for having cannabis for personal use after they have been given a warning and separately an £80 penalty notice.