Police drugs raids

Mar 15 2012 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

POLICE in West Lothian have seized drugs with an estimated value of £60,000 following a series of raids.

Officers say that a total of 11 people have been arrested and charged in connection with the operation.

The operation began two weeks ago with the seizure of heroin with an estimated value of £60,000 from an address in Livingston.

Four people were arrested and charged in connection with the seizure, two of whom appeared at Livingston Sheriff Court last Monday.

The other two were released to appear at a later date.

Further raids took place at various addresses in Livingston and Whitburn last Wednesday.

These raids have led to the recovery of more drugs, along with prohibited firearms, including CS spray and a stun grenade.

A further seven people were arrested and charged in connection with last week’s activity, four of whom were due to appear at Livingston Sheriff Court last Thursday.

The remaining three have been released to appear at a later date.

The raids were organised in partnership ‘with the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency.

Detective Chief Inspector Phil Gachagan, from Lothian and Borders Police, said: “This operation sends a clear message that Lothian and Borders Police will take decisive action to prevent the distribution of drugs on the streets of West Lothian, and to bring suspected offenders to justice.

“We will continue to work with our partners in the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency and elsewhere to ensure that drug dealers and serious organised criminals are targeted and brought to justice.

“We rely on the public for information on suspected drug dealers operating in local communities.

“We would urge anyone with such information to contact police.

“Rest assured that any information received will be acted on, and treated in the strictest confidence.”

Anyone with any information should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131.

Information can also be passed to Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.