Almost 70 warrants have been executed across the Lothians as police tackled drug supply and organised crime with three dedicated operations.Through Operations Bistra, Portable and Jigsaw, 52 people have been reported to the Procurator Fiscal over the past five weeks, with over £40,000 of cash and a significant quantity of drugs seized.
Officers also recovered items including air weapons and stun guns. Eight cannabis cultivations were dismantled and a number of dogs were seized by the Scottish SPCA on welfare grounds.
Superintendent Craig Smith said: “Both misuse and supply of drugs and organised crime are priorities for us and the communities in East, West and Midlothian, and I’d like to thank them for their support and assistance during our operations. The information that local people provide is vital in building up a picture of such activity, allowing us to execute these warrants, putting people before the courts and taking drugs and other dangerous or illicit items off the streets.
“By working with our partners we can put the most appropriate resources in place to both deal with the criminality and take steps to prevent it. I would encourage anyone with information about crime in their area to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
A Scottish SPCA undercover inspector said: “We are committed to tackling serious crimes, particularly where they cause cruel and unnecessary suffering. We will continue to work together in partnership with Police Scotland to prevent further suffering to animals and promote safer communities.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
