Scotland county lines blitz seizes £900k drugs and rescues 38 people

Police Scotland arrested 43 people during the enforcement activity, which took place between January and March and included the National County Lines Intensification Week.

Officers executed 58 search warrants across the country, recovering a range of drugs including cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, ketamine and cannabis.

They also seized more than £33,000 in cash and 12 weapons, including machetes, zombie knives, swords and knuckledusters.

These results form part of our ongoing response to a 15% increase in drug supply from April to December 2025, detailed in Police Scotland’s Q3 Performance Report published today (March 13).

Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Houston, head of organised crime and counter terrorism, said:

"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."

ACC Houston said:

"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."

County lines operations involve gangs from major cities distributing drugs to smaller towns and rural areas for profit.

These gangs often exploit children and vulnerable adults, coercing them into transporting and storing drugs and cash.

Of the 38 individuals safeguarded during the operation, nine were children.

Over £900k of illegal drugs seized and 38 children and vulnerable adults safeguarded in crackdown on County Lines drug operations.

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— Police Scotland (@PoliceScotland) March 13, 2026

Safeguarding measures have been implemented to ensure the safety of all vulnerable people. Joint working between the relevant police services is ongoing to determine the extent of their involvement and to gather evidence of child criminal exploitation with consideration of human trafficking offences.

Angela Constance , Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs, welcomed the results of the operation.

Constance said:

"I welcome the positive outcomes from Police Scotland’s enforcement activity during National County Lines Intensification Week, which has helped safeguard a number of vulnerable individuals.

"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."

Constance said:

"By using all means available to identify and support those at risk, partners on Scotland’s Serious Organised Crime Taskforce continue to bring criminals to justice and help keep our communities safe."

The enforcement activity included Operation Silentridge, which targeted 12 groups involved in county lines and organised crime in Inverness.

During this operation, 16 people were arrested and seven were charged with offences related to the supply of Class A drugs.

Lesley Gordon, UK director for criminal exploitation at Action for Children, said:

"The impact of criminal exploitation, including county lines, on the lives of children and young people is utterly devastating.

"We continue to see the serious harms inflicted by exploiters on children, their families and their local communities.

"Through our Criminal Exploitation Intervention Services across Scotland and the UK, we support children, young people and families affected by exploitation, working closely in partnership with police and other agencies.

"Criminal exploitation is a form of child abuse. And we welcome this work targeted at exploiters intent on causing harm."

Police Scotland said public reports play a vital role in gathering intelligence.

Anyone with concerns or information about county lines activity is encouraged to contact Police Scotland on 101, or 999 in an emergency.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.