Burnbank drugs raid

Haul worth thousands

A squad of police officers forced entry into three Burnbank addresses, as well as a Blantyre flat, during a special operation to tackle drug crime.

Last Friday, the early-morning raid took place to send out a clear message that drug crime will not be tolerated in our community.

Over 25 officers and our reporter set out as part of ‘Operation Forward’ to search one property in George Court, two flats in Donaldson Street and one in Springwells Crescent, Blantyre.

And £11,500 of cash and jewellery was recovered from one of the properties.

Police received intelligence that they might find crack cocaine or valium within the premises.

While no drugs were recovered and no-one was arrested during the raids, the cash and jewellery were seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act and a full financial investigation will be carried out in due course.

Burnbank community cop David Mitchell said that the police are acting on information provided and are doing their best to make Burnbank a better place.

He said: “Drug-related crime in Burnbank is a priority for local officers.

“Through continuous community engagement and increased levels of intelligence, we were able to take tangible steps towards identifying and disrupting individuals who profit from criminal activity.

“I would like to thank the residents of Burnbank for their patience and resilience and ask that they continue to support Police Scotland by reporting those involved in criminal activity.

“Information can be passed by calling 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Inspector Derek Hamilton of Hamilton Police said that they are cracking down on drugs.

He said: “Drug dealers don’t care who they harm, nor care about the damage they do to communities.

“We are grateful to the assistance of the Hamilton Advertiser, who we invited along to help us demonstrate to the local community in Burnbank that we recognise the link between illegal drug use and violence, and show that where we receive credible information, we will take action.”

In recent years, Burnbank has been subject to community concern regarding people frequenting the area under the influence of alcohol and drugs, and some committing acts of serious violence.

This has resulted in residents and business owners feeling intimidated in their own community.

The position of the police is clear – they have taken, and will continue to take, a zero-tolerance approach to any form of anti-social behaviour.