A major drugs recovery in Fraserburgh has raised fresh concerns about the scale of organised supply networks operating across the North East and their potential reach into Moray and the Highlands.
Five men have been arrested and charged after drugs with an estimated street value of £3.5m were seized during a police operation in the town.
Officers executed a warrant at an address in the High Street area of Fraserburgh on Friday 12 December 2025 as part of an ongoing investigation into serious organised crime.
Significant quantities of Class A and Class B drugs were recovered during the search, including ecstasy, amphetamine and mephedrone.
Police Scotland says the recovery represents one of the largest drugs seizures in the North East in recent years.
Two men aged 26 and 30 were arrested and charged following the operation and appeared at Peterhead Sheriff Court on Monday 15 December 2025.
A further two men aged 23 and 35 were arrested and charged on Tuesday 16 December and appeared at court on Wednesday 17 December.
A fifth man aged 26 was arrested and charged on Wednesday 17 December and is expected to appear at Peterhead Sheriff Court on Thursday 18 December.
The scale of the seizure has prompted concern about the wider distribution network involved and where the drugs were destined.
Fraserburgh sits within easy reach of Moray and the Highlands, and Police Scotland says organised crime groups often operate across council boundaries rather than within them.
Detective Inspector John Pirie said the operation would have a significant impact on criminal supply chains.
“This is one of the largest drugs recoveries in the North East area and it will have a huge impact on the illegal supply chain in Scotland.
“This work underlines our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy.”
He said removing drugs from circulation remains a core policing priority.
“Taking drugs off the street is a priority for Police Scotland.
“They cause misery in our communities, and the public has a vital role in helping us to trace those involved in the supply of illegal substances.”
Police Scotland says operations like this are designed not only to seize drugs but to disrupt organised groups operating across regions.
Communities across Moray and the Highlands have previously raised concerns about drugs flowing along transport corridors linking the North East with Inverness and surrounding areas.
Officers are continuing their investigations and say further arrests have not been ruled out.
Anyone with information or concerns about drug activity is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101.
Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
