Significant cannabis plants found by cops
Included £680k haul at disused premises in Lanark
Significant discoveries of cannabis plants in Lanarkshire have helped contribute to Police Scotland’s huge recovery haul of the drug since the start of the year.
Officers seized cannabis plants worth a combined total of over £8.5 million since the start of 2024, sending a clear message to criminals that drugs have no place in any of our communities.
In January, officers intercepted various quantities of the Class B drug with an estimated street value of £8.624 million.
That included a £680,000 haul at a disused premises in the Bannatyne Street area of Lanark on January 2.
As well as Lanarkshire, there were also significant recoveries in Dumfries, Ayrshire, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness and Shetland.
Detective Superintendent Craig Willison from Police Scotland’s Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism Unit said: “This year we have already seen some very significant recoveries across the country which demonstrates that no community is safe from the harm caused by illegal drugs.
“Police Scotland remains committed to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious and Organised Crime Strategy, and our officers are determined to protect members of the public from this type of criminality.
“Anyone who brings drugs into our communities for their own illicit gain should be in absolutely no doubt that we will rigorously pursue every means possible to disrupt this activity.
“We will find you and bring you to justice.
“Information and support from members of the public is vital to our work and I would encourage anyone with concerns about drugs activity in their area to contact Police Scotland on 101.
“Alternatively you can speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Giving, selling or even sharing any controlled drug, such as an ecstasy tablet or cannabis, to or with a friend or anyone else is classed as supplying an illegal drug.
This carries a stiff penalty as even though the culprit makes no money, they are still supplying drugs.
Police urge people not to be pressured into taking drugs; plan what you will say and do before it happens; realise it’s okay to make excuses not to take them; encourage your friends not to take drugs; and if you have taken a drug and feel unwell, seek urgent medical advice.
This year we have already seen some very significant recoveries across the country Craig Willison