120 arrested and £360,000 in drugs seized by Ayrshire cops

Feb 12 2010 Ayrshire Post (main ed)

ORGANISED crime has been dealt a major blow by Ayrshire police.

For they have seized £360,000 worth of drugs and charged 120 people with drug-related offences in just a month.

Cocaine, amphetamine and heroin are among the illegal drugs taken into police custody during Operation Impact.

And they revealed this week that they also discovered a handgun during one raid on a house in Portland Street, Troon, where they seized 1.2kg of cocaine.

Detective Inspector Scott McClelland revealed that the public played a major role in identifying dealers and suppliers.

He explained: “I’m delighted with the help we’ve received from the Ayrshire public in the fight against drug misuse and distribution. The significant recoveries of drugs we’ve made would not have been possible without the support of local communities.

“We will continue to pursue those involved in the use and distribution of illegal drugs, both in the community and Ayrshire’s licensed premises.

“The division’s working better than ever with our partner agencies to bring people to justice. I would urge anyone with information to contact their local police office. All details will be treated in the strictest confidence.”

The haul included amphetamine with a street value of £115,000 and half a kilo of heroin valued at £35,000. A shocking 85 cannabis plants, worth £25,000, were discovered by police who descended on a flat in Ayr High Street.

Police revealed that they are also working hand in hand with South Ayrshire Council to identify children at risk in homes where drugs are available.

Superintendent John Hazlett is in charge of policing across South Ayrshire.

He insists that the operation has been a huge success.

He said: “This operation involves a number of intelligence-led activities throughout South Ayrshire aimed at detecting those involved in drug dealing.

“It is very important that we disrupt and prosecute those involved in this type of activity. These raids should send out a clear message that we in South Ayrshire will not tolerate this kind of behaviour.

“It is essential that any action taken by the police impacts positively on the availability of controlled drugs at a street level.”

Superintendent Hazlett added: “I hope that the public here in communities throughout South Ayrshire can once again be reassured that we are determined to tackle all of the issues surrounding the distribution of drugs within our communities.

“I would ask that members of the local communities who are concerned about drug dealers operating in their neighbourhoods provide information anonymously to help the local police take drugs and drugs dealers off the streets.”

The operation will run until the end of March and focuses on drugs and violent offenders. It follows the success of two Impact initiatives last year.

Licensed premises will be targeted throughout February in a bid to tackle drug use and alcohol related violence.

If you have information call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.