New police drugs unit launched

Oct 28 2010 by Alistair Watson, West Lothian Courier

A NEW police team has been assembled to tackle the West Lothian drugs trade – the first time the county has had a dedicated drugs unit.

The Divisional Drugs Unit (DDU) will be based at Divisional Headquarters in Livingston and will handle all drug-related criminal enquiries.

The team of 10 officers will regularly engage with West Lothian communities to identify areas where drugs are a major concern and will work closely with partner agencies to address these issues.

Superintendent Jeanette McDiarmid, Area Commander for West Lothian, said: “In West Lothian, we have had tremendous success with recent policing operations to tackle the drugs trade and bring those who profit from it to justice.

“Nevertheless, drugs continue to be a serious concern for a number of our communities and we are committed to doing all we can to neutralise this problem.

“The formation of the DDU will allow a dedicated team of officers to analyse the specific problems our communities face relating to drugs and deal with them in the most appropriate manner.

“Our policing teams will also benefit from the launch of the DDU as they can now focus on policing other issues that are ongoing within our communities.”

Leader of West Lothian Council Peter Johnston added: “This new Divisional Drugs Unit is good news for West Lothian. It underlines the council’s commitment to eradicating the menace of drugs, which destroys families and communities.

“West Lothian Civic Centre provides ideal opportunities for integrated partnership working between the council; the Community Safety Unit and the new DDU. Our message is clear — drug dealing will not be tolerated in West Lothian.”

Following the success of Operation Focus last year, 63 people have so far been convicted of drugs supply offences, of which 25 were tenants of West Lothian Council. Eight of these council tenancies have now been recovered and the remaining 17 have all been served with a notice of proceeding. Ten of these cases already moving towards court action for eviction.

Councillor Johnston warned: “Any council tenant who is convicted of drug dealing, or who allows their home to be used for drug dealing, will be pursued by this council for eviction from their tenancy.

“The final decision of course rests with the Sheriff, but we will press for an eviction in every single case as will our local housing associations.”

The council leader even appeared as a witness in a court case to evict an Almond Housing Association tenant from their home in Ladywell.

He added: “Taking part in a court case was not originally on my agenda but I am absolutely committed to doing all I can to pursue these matters and if this means a court appearance then so be it.”