Drugs worth more than £180,000 have been recovered as part of a multi-agency operation to tackle organised immigration crime across Scotland.
Police engaged with more than 660 people travelling in and out of the country using airports, roads, and ferry terminals across three days of action which began on Tuesday, Febraury 24.
At Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen airports, 78 flights were met, while 30 vehicles were searched at ports in Stranraer, which resulted in 27kgs of cannabis being discovered at Loch Ryan.
READ NEXT:
- Counter terrorism cops raid MPs home as husband arrested on suspicion of spying
- Sentencing for Glasgow Tinder swindler Ryan McVeigh delayed for this reason
- Glasgow thief snuck into pensioner's home and stole jewellery
Over the course of the activity, named Operation Lockstream, £7000 worth of cash was seized and four people were arrested in connection with drugs, road traffic and immigration offences.
A key aim of the operation was to safeguard vulnerable people at risk of exploitation and Police Scotland officers worked closely with partners from the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC), Border Force, Home Office Immigration, His Majesty's Revenue and Customs, and the Scottish SPCA throughout.
Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Houston, Police Scotland’s lead for Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism, said: "Organised immigration crime is happening now in Scotland and tackling it is a priority.
"We know that criminals use our transport hubs for a range of illegal activities, and working closely with our partners, we remain focused on targeting those who exploit vulnerable people solely for financial gain.
"Action like this is only possible through the continued support of our communities.
"Anyone with information or concerns should contact Police Scotland on 101 or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
"I can assure you that you will be listened to and the information you provide could prove vital in helping us identify those involved in this type of criminality."
READ NEXT:
- Masked men armed with machete attack new boyfriend of man's ex
- ‘Callous predator’ caged for 16 years for raping and abusing kids in Glasgow
- Teen charged after Glasgow Subway 'vandalised' with breakfast foods
- Man due in court after another man was found dead on street
Deputy Chief Constable Wendy Gunney, NPCC’s Organised Immigration Crime Domestic Taskforce lead, continued: "This week we have leveraged all of law enforcement powers at the UK’s borders to target people who come to the UK to commit any form of criminality.
"It has been a significant joint effort involving many officers, staff, and multiple agencies, across the rail network, roads, seaports and airports.
"This activity has generated strong results and crucial intelligence that will help us recognise patterns and better understand these criminal networks, ensuring we collectively continue to identify offenders and bring them to justice."
Share