Man charged after Salsburgh drugs raid

A 48-year-old man is due to appear in court later this month after he was charged in connection with a large scale drugs bust in Salsburgh.

The intelligence-led operation took place an industrial unit in the village in October.

That led to specialist police uncovering a “sophisticated site” with equipment to illicitly produce street Valium tablets on a “commercial scale” for sale or supply.

Detective Inspector Laura Sands said:“this was a significant recovery by officers which has stopped large amounts of illicit drugs reaching the most vulnerable people in our communities.

“The machine seized was capable of producing millions of Etizolam tablets every day.

“This targeted operation should send a very clear message that this type of illegal and harmful activity won’t be tolerated.”

Alongside thousands of Etizolam tablets – commonly known as “street Valium”– officers also seized drug making equipment including pill presses and excipient used to make Etizolam.

A quantity of cocaine with an estimated street value of around £40,000 was also seized, alongside £112,000 in cash.

Following extensive enquiries, a 48-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with this recovery.

He is due to appear at Airdrie Sheriff Court on January 25.

DI Sands added: “we can’t tackle this alone and we rely on the support of the public to help us build intelligence on any drugrelated issues.”

Anyone with any details is asked to contact police on 101.

Information can also be left anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

raid The drugs were found in an industrial unit in the village