Police Scotland has seized illegal drugs worth more than £900,000 and safeguarded 38 vulnerable people during a major crackdown on County Lines drug operations across the country.
The enforcement activity took place throughout January, February and March and culminated in the UK wide National County Lines Intensification Week.
Police Scotland officers executed 58 search warrants during the operation, leading to 43 arrests linked to organised drug supply networks operating across Scotland.
Drugs recovered during the operation included cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, ketamine and cannabis taken from a number of addresses across the country.
Police also seized more than £33,457 in cash along with 12 weapons including machetes, zombie knives, swords and knuckledusters.
A significant part of the work involved Operation Silentridge which targeted organised crime groups operating County Lines drug networks in Inverness.
During that operation 16 people were arrested and seven individuals were charged with involvement in the supply of Class A drugs.
County Lines networks typically move drugs from large cities into smaller towns and rural areas where organised gangs attempt to expand their markets and maximise profits.
These operations frequently involve the coercion or exploitation of children and vulnerable adults who are pressured into transporting drugs or holding cash on behalf of criminal groups.
Of the 38 vulnerable people safeguarded during the latest operation, nine were children.
Safeguarding measures have been put in place to protect those identified, with police and partner agencies continuing work to determine the full extent of criminal exploitation and potential human trafficking offences.
Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Houston, Head of Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism, said the operation demonstrated Police Scotland’s continued focus on disrupting organised crime and protecting vulnerable people.
“National County Lines Intensification Week is an important opportunity to spotlight our year round commitment to protecting children and vulnerable people and sends a clear message to criminals seeking to exploit, groom, and coerce them.
“We work tirelessly every day to disrupt drug supply and protect communities.
“Organised criminals don’t care about the people they harm, they only care about power and money.
“This is simply not welcome or tolerated in Scotland.
“We continue to work in partnership with a wide range of national organisations, including a number of agencies who through collaboration support the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and Strategy within Scotland, to crack down on those involved in County Lines activity.
“But we can’t do it alone.
“If something doesn’t look or feel right, trust your instincts and report it.
“Even a small bit of information can make a significant difference and help protect our communities.”
Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs Angela Constance said the enforcement activity showed the importance of coordinated action against organised crime.
“It is despicable that organised criminals seek to profit by coercing and exploiting vulnerable people, and this enforcement sends a clear message that action will be taken to disrupt these crimes.”
Lesley Gordon, UK Director for Criminal Exploitation at Action for Children, said the impact of criminal exploitation on young people and families could be severe and long lasting.
“Criminal exploitation is a form of child abuse. And we welcome this work targeted at exploiters intent on causing harm.”
Police say intelligence from the public continues to play an important role in tackling County Lines activity and preventing harm within communities.
Anyone with concerns or information about County Lines activity can contact Police Scotland on 101 or call 999 in an emergency.
Information can also be reported anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
