Police Scotland seize �20,000 drugs and report 44 people in Highlands and Islands drugs operation

5th June 2013

Police Scotland - Highland & Islands Division are to report 44 people to the Procurator Fiscal and have seized �20,000 worth of drugs during an intelligence led operation in the lead up to the festival season.

The activity was part of the ongoing 'Operation Ram' an intelligence led operation targeting drug dealers operating in local communities. This recent phase has resulted in Class A, B and C drugs being recovered. In addition over �10,000 cash, suspected to be the proceeds of drug supply was seized.

During the last two weeks co-ordinated activity targeting the possession and distribution of controlled drugs saw a number of people and premises searched under warrant resulting in drugs and cash seized.

On Tuesday 4 June 2013, officers in the Fort William area carried out a series of planned raids at premises as part of Operation Ram. Drugs with a street value of �20,000 and items related to cannabis cultivation were seized. A male from Fort William has been arrested and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal for offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

A total of 23 search warrants were executed throughout the Highlands and Islands and 44 individuals will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal in connection with drug supply, possession and cultivation offences.

Acting Detective Chief Inspector Brian Mackay said: "This recent enforcement under Operation Ram shows Police Scotland's continued commitment to target those involved in drug dealing and organised crime, to seize assets obtained from criminal activity and disrupt their ability to operate.

"Information received from members of the public has been crucial in the course of our investigations and has contributed to these successes. I again ask for this continued support and for anyone with information about drug dealers in their local area to contact Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."