Police day of action targets ‘county lines’ drug dealers
Seven people were safeguarded, four warrants were executed and six people were arrested in the Highlands and Islands during a Police Scotland day of action to target county lines drug dealers.
More than £14,000 of drugs and approximately £5,600 in cash were seized in the area.
Police Scotland targeted drugs dealers – who exploit vulnerable people, including children and young adults – during a national county lines day of action last Wednesday, September 16.
Proactive action by officers resulted in vulnerable people being identified, ‘cuckooing’ addresses being visited, a number of drugs search warrants executed and people being arrested.
A large quantity of controlled drugs, including heroin, cocaine, amphetamine and cannabis were seized across Scotland. Tens of thousands of pounds in cash and weapons, including a Samurai were also recovered.
Local officers, special constables and national resources, including Road Policing and Dog Unit officers, as well as sword,
British Transport Police, took part in the activity throughout the day.
Detective Inspector Ritchie MacRae, of Inverness CID, said: ‘We are pleased with the positive results in the Highlands and Islands as part of the nationwide day of action.
‘We are committed to disrupting the supply of drugs within our communities. It remains one of the top priorities for Police Scotland including in the Highlands and Islands.
‘The drug trade often exploits the most vulnerable members of society and we all have an obligation to help protect each other by reporting any suspicious or harmful behaviour.
‘If anyone has any concerns regarding the abuse of drugs, or anyone who may be involved in the supply of drugs, they are urged to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.’
County lines refers to drug dealers from large cities who expand their operations into smaller towns.
They endeavour to exploit young and vulnerable people to sell drugs, carry cash and weapons, bringing violence, coercion and abuse. They may also take over a vulnerable person’s house, known as cuckooing.
Police Scotland’s assistant chief constable Angela McLaren said: ‘County line gangs groom and exploit the most vulnerable people in our communities,, including children and young people, to store and sell drugs. They are intimidated, coerced, threatened and often subject to violence. These gangs are not welcome in Scotland. Our officers remain absolutely committed to working with partners in the Serious and Organised Crime (SOC) taskforce to safeguard individuals who may be at risk and to pursue offenders.
‘Together we will continue to make Scotland a hostile environment to those who seek to engage in criminal activity.’
Organised crime officers also arrested a man from Liverpool near Stirling as part of an intelligence-led operation and almost £35,000 in cash was seized.
‘I would urge anyone with concerns to report them to Police Scotland or to Crime stoppers anonymously,’ added Chief Constable McLaren.
‘We are committed to disrupting the supply of drugs within our communities.’